https://www.scmp.com/rss/519649/feed While you were sleeping is the Post's slightly irreverent take on what happened overnight in some of the biggest tournaments and regional and domestic competitions in the world of sport. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Where now for Ange Postecoglou? It’s hard to defend the Tottenham boss after such a difficult season domestically which shows no signs of improving. A win at Stamford Bridge would have been a huge positive marker. Alas … Blues’ boost Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea received a huge boost to their ambitions of qualifying for the Uefa Champions League with a 1-0 victory over Tottenham. Enzo Fernandez scored the game’s only legitimate goal of the game on 50 minutes before both sides had strikes ruled out by... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3305163/chelsea-beat-tottenham-barcelona-receive-boost-tennis-elites-grand-slam-appeal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3305163/chelsea-beat-tottenham-barcelona-receive-boost-tennis-elites-grand-slam-appeal?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 04 Apr 2025 00:30:26 +0000 With each passing match, it’s becoming more difficult to justify any type of interest in the English Premier League title “race”. At this point, Liverpool would need a total collapse – and even then for Arsenal to become relentless. Still, it’s at Anfield where we start our Wednesday night round up. Same old Moyes No matter the form, David Moyes plus Everton at Anfield can never equal victory. Once again it was Liverpool who prevailed as Diogo Jota’s second-half goal gave the hosts a 1-0 derby... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3304974/liverpool-win-derby-mourinho-nose-pincher-clasico-cup-final-raducanu-withdraws?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3304974/liverpool-win-derby-mourinho-nose-pincher-clasico-cup-final-raducanu-withdraws?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 Apr 2025 00:30:15 +0000 We’re well and truly in the business end of the football season with every match worth that little bit more. In the English Premier League, at least, there’s not too much still undecided but pressure does funny things to you. So let’s start our Tuesday night round-up with title challengers Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Fulham at the Emirates. Gunners still fighting Bukayo Saka scored just seven minutes into his return to put Mikel Arteta’s side 2-0 ahead after Mikel Merino’s first-half opener before... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3304820/arsenal-win-man-united-lose-while-real-madrid-keep-treble-hopes-alive-epic-thriller?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3304820/arsenal-win-man-united-lose-while-real-madrid-keep-treble-hopes-alive-epic-thriller?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 02 Apr 2025 00:30:12 +0000 The big sporting news for Hongkongers on Monday night was Coleman Wong’s historic third-round clash with Adam Walton at the Miami Open. But you can read all about what happened in that one here. We’re going to take a look at the rest of the sporting headlines, starting with Thomas Tuchel’s second match in charge of England. Book your flights England are unbeaten in World Cup qualification since they were beaten 1-0 by Ukraine in 2009 – having at that point already qualified for South... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3303705/englands-routine-world-cup-qualifying-win-osaka-out-raducanu-through-miami?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3303705/englands-routine-world-cup-qualifying-win-osaka-out-raducanu-through-miami?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:30:17 +0000 The Uefa Nations League produced a night for the ages with the quarter-final second legs. Two of the four ties went to penalties, one to extra time and the other saw a side come from 3-0 down on the night to draw 3-3 yet still face elimination. So as we round up Sunday’s night’s sporting action, let’s start there. Pure entertainment Who had the Nations League quarter-finals as the exciting football event of 2025? Well, to that extremely small minority who did, I doff my cap off to you. What a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3303557/uefa-nations-league-thrills-goals-galore-djokovic-through-keys-out-vonn-shines?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3303557/uefa-nations-league-thrills-goals-galore-djokovic-through-keys-out-vonn-shines?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Mar 2025 00:30:17 +0000 Thomas Tuchel made a winning start to life as England coach with a 2-0 victory against Albania in 2026 World Cup qualifying on Friday, while Robert Lewandowski handed Poland a narrow win over Lithuania. Goals in either half from debutant Myles Lewis-Skelly and captain Harry Kane were enough to get England over the line as they began their qualification campaign for the next World Cup, which will take place in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Since taking over the reins from Gareth Southgate in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3303428/new-boss-thomas-tuchel-critical-efficient-england-dodgers-game-sets-japan-tv-record?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3303428/new-boss-thomas-tuchel-critical-efficient-england-dodgers-game-sets-japan-tv-record?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 22 Mar 2025 00:30:07 +0000 The big sporting news on Thursday was undoubtedly history being made as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) elected its first woman president. But you can read about that here. While you were sleeping, she discussed her plans after swooping. And that’s where we’ll start our overnight sporting round up. Trump card Fresh from her election to sport’s top job, Kirsty Coventry said she wants to sit down with United States President Donald Trump to make sure the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics are... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3303237/ioc-chief-coventry-eyes-trump-talks-mbappe-and-co-stunned-germany-win-euro-clasico?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3303237/ioc-chief-coventry-eyes-trump-talks-mbappe-and-co-stunned-germany-win-euro-clasico?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:30:10 +0000 As we await the start of the action during the break for international football, things can get a little quieter. It’s less about the live stuff and more about the general updates and previewing the coming action. So, with that in mind, let’s start our overnight round-up with the England men’s football boss’ thoughts on a high-profile recall. ‘He embodies everything’ Thomas Tuchel is convinced Jordan Henderson can be “the glue that makes things special” after surprisingly bringing the veteran... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3303071/tuchel-hails-glue-henderson-kyrgios-wins-first-match-2022-nfl-meets-golf?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3303071/tuchel-hails-glue-henderson-kyrgios-wins-first-match-2022-nfl-meets-golf?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Mar 2025 00:30:16 +0000 Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White told new England boss Thomas Tuchel he deserved to be included in the German’s first squad in charge after only being drafted in at late notice. The omission of the Forest captain from Tuchel’s squad on Friday was a surprise given his role in firing Nuno Espirito Santo’s men to third in the English Premier League. However, the 25-year-old was handed a reprieve on Sunday when an injury to Cole Palmer saw Gibbs-White called up. “Obviously I was upset. Yeah, a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3302917/gibbs-white-scolds-tuchel-advantage-madrid-v-arsenal-osaka-reaches-miami-open-round-2?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3302917/gibbs-white-scolds-tuchel-advantage-madrid-v-arsenal-osaka-reaches-miami-open-round-2?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 19 Mar 2025 00:30:21 +0000 Lionel Messi will miss Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil over the next eight days because of an injury to his adductor. The 37-year-old was not included in the 25-man squad announced on Monday by coach Lionel Scaloni. Messi’s club, Inter Miami, said an MRI “confirmed the presence of a low-grade injury in the adductor muscle”. Argentine media initially reported Messi suffered a sore left thigh on Sunday during Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory over Atlanta United. The injury is... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3302760/lionel-messi-miss-argentina-world-cup-games-club-sorry-mourning-player-who-isnt-dead?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3302760/lionel-messi-miss-argentina-world-cup-games-club-sorry-mourning-player-who-isnt-dead?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:05:08 +0000 Hands up who genuinely believed this time Newcastle would do it. After several false dawns, the side from the North East of England have finally won a domestic trophy – 70 years on from the last. It was Sunday night, so there was plenty of sporting action to look back on, but we’ll start at Wembley. Up for the Cup Eddie Howe’s side stunned English Premier League champions-elect Liverpool with a 2-1 victory in the Carabao Cup final. It was their second appearance at this stage in the past three... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3302606/newcastle-end-70-years-hurt-stun-liverpool-arsenal-win-draper-indian-wells-champion?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3302606/newcastle-end-70-years-hurt-stun-liverpool-arsenal-win-draper-indian-wells-champion?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Mar 2025 00:30:22 +0000 A weekend packed with live sport brings us major action in rugby, football and tennis. There’s so much going on across the world this weekend. But, here, we’re focusing on the biggest headlines from Saturday night. Battered and Bleus-d France claimed their seventh Six Nations trophy in a record-strewn 35-16 victory over Scotland, shaking off their beautiful runners-up tag on a crisp evening at the Stade de France. Les Bleus matched England’s number of titles since Italy joined the championship... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3302549/france-clinch-six-nations-man-city-held-alli-sent-return-medvedev-eliminated?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3302549/france-clinch-six-nations-man-city-held-alli-sent-return-medvedev-eliminated?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 16 Mar 2025 00:30:14 +0000 A rare Friday night with little in the way of major sporting action in Europe. The English Premier League weekend starts on Saturday with the showpiece Carabao Cup final on Sunday. All the talk was of the England squad selection but first, a look at a story involving a former Three Lions gaffer. If the Cap fits Pep Guardiola has hit back at Fabio Capello, who labelled the Manchester City boss “arrogant”. In a recent interview with Spanish publication El Mundo, the ex-Juventus and England boss... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3302494/guardiola-hits-back-ex-england-boss-tuchel-wants-earn-anthem-cheltenham-shock?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3302494/guardiola-hits-back-ex-england-boss-tuchel-wants-earn-anthem-cheltenham-shock?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Mar 2025 00:30:14 +0000 Two-time Indian Wells champion Iga Swiatek avenged her shock Paris Olympics loss to Zheng Qinwen with a 6-3, 6-3, victory over the Chinese eighth seed on Thursday to reach the semi-finals in the California desert. Zheng beat Swiatek on the way to winning gold at last year’s Paris Olympics – but was no match for the Pole in their first meeting since. The world No 2 claimed the first set 6-3 and eased into a 5-1 lead in the second before bad weather led to play being suspended. Zheng, 22, improved... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3302304/swiatek-eases-past-zheng-united-spurs-make-europe-progress-dettori-bankruptcy-move?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3302304/swiatek-eases-past-zheng-united-spurs-make-europe-progress-dettori-bankruptcy-move?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Mar 2025 00:00:24 +0000 Holders Real Madrid survived a missed penalty from Vinicius Junior in normal time before edging rivals Atletico Madrid 4-2 in a shoot-out for a place in the Champions League quarter-finals. Antonio Rudiger sealed the last-16 victory on Wednesday as goalkeeper Jan Oblak got his hands on the deciding penalty but could not stop it crossing the line, as Real maintained their perfect record against Atletico in six knockout ties and finals in the elite event. Oblak had saved from Lucas Vazquez in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3302153/real-madrid-beat-atletico-champions-league-shoot-out-after-bizarre-disallowed-spot-kick?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3302153/real-madrid-beat-atletico-champions-league-shoot-out-after-bizarre-disallowed-spot-kick?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Mar 2025 00:33:49 +0000 Paris Saint-Germain beat Liverpool in a penalty shoot-out to join Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan in the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Tuesday. PSG beat Liverpool 1-0 on the night to level the aggregate score at 1-1. Ousmane Dembele scored 12 minutes into the second-leg match after a blunder by the Liverpool defence. Gianluigi Donnarumma then saved two penalties, and Dembele had the final say as PSG won 4-1 to set up a clash with either Aston Villa or Club Brugge. Barcelona... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3302006/psg-stun-liverpool-penalty-shoot-out-golden-shock-cheltenham-woods-miss-masters?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3302006/psg-stun-liverpool-penalty-shoot-out-golden-shock-cheltenham-woods-miss-masters?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Mar 2025 23:30:11 +0000 Seven members of the medical team that treated Argentine football great Diego Maradona before his death go on trial for homicide on Tuesday in Buenos Aires. The case revolves around allegations that negligence by the healthcare professionals contributed to the World Cup winner’s death in 2020 at the age of 60. Maradona suffered a heart attack while recovering from surgery to remove a blood clot on his brain weeks earlier. He had previously struggled with drug addiction, obesity and alcoholism,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3301859/maradona-medics-face-homicide-trial-west-ham-sixth-darnolds-us100-million-deal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3301859/maradona-medics-face-homicide-trial-west-ham-sixth-darnolds-us100-million-deal?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:30:13 +0000 Titles won, titles lost and titles surprisingly within reach, silverware was the main focus for most on Sunday, even if there was, as General Melchett might say, “a total pig-headed unwillingness to look facts in the face”. Mikel Arteta is no Baldrick, but even he has to acknowledge that the Premier League was over as a competition long before his Arsenal side drew 1-1 at Manchester United. Elsewhere, India completed a Champions Trophy triumph in which they were gifted the best draw, the best... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3301716/arteta-discovers-not-every-cloud-has-silver-lining-england-thump-italy-india-win?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3301716/arteta-discovers-not-every-cloud-has-silver-lining-england-thump-italy-india-win?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 10 Mar 2025 00:30:23 +0000 Even the best in the business need a dressing down sometimes, and Arne Slot let his Liverpool team have it after they went in at half-time 1-0 down at home to basement dwellers Southampton on Saturday. The Dutchman, who was watching from the stands as he served the last game of his touchline ban, said he did not “give them compliments, I can tell you” after Will Smallbone gave the visitors a shock lead at Anfield. Whatever was said, plus the introduction of Harvey Elliott, Andy Robertson and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3301653/salah-scores-twice-liverpool-soar-16-points-clear-french-fury-dupont-injury?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3301653/salah-scores-twice-liverpool-soar-16-points-clear-french-fury-dupont-injury?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Mar 2025 00:30:08 +0000 Cadillac have received final approval to become the 11th team in Formula One from the 2026 season, motorsport’s governing body the FIA and F1 announced on Friday. The US team, backed by TWG Motorsports and General Motors, got the go-ahead little more than two months after the company reached an agreement in principle with Formula One. F1 had previously turned down a bid from the US team Andretti, which was linked to Cadillac, but GM’s increased commitments about their involvement in the venture... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3301594/cadillac-gets-2026-f1-nod-zverev-crashes-out-indian-wells-westons-skeleton-redemption?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3301594/cadillac-gets-2026-f1-nod-zverev-crashes-out-indian-wells-westons-skeleton-redemption?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 08 Mar 2025 00:30:08 +0000 Manchester United settled for a 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad in the first leg of the Europa League round of 16 on Thursday, while Tottenham lost away to AZ Alkmaar and Rangers stunned Fenerbache in Istanbul. In Spain, Joshua Zirkzee gave a United side missing 11 first-choice players the lead in the 58th minute, but Sociedad equalised 12 minutes later when Bruno Fernandes was penalised for hand ball and Mikel Oyarzabal sent Andre Onana the wrong way from the penalty spot. A place in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3301388/united-draw-spurs-lose-chelsea-priciest-team-ever-pif-backs-wta-maternity-leave-fund?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3301388/united-draw-spurs-lose-chelsea-priciest-team-ever-pif-backs-wta-maternity-leave-fund?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Mar 2025 00:30:16 +0000 Harvey Elliot will get the headlines, but Alisson Becker was the hero as Liverpool pulled off the ultimate smash and grab in their Champions League quarter-final against PSG on Wednesday. A late substitute, Elliot scored with his first kick of the game to give Arne Slot’s side a 1-0 win in a match where they had been utterly dominated by their Parisian hosts. And the only reason they head back to Anfield with a slender lead was goalkeeper Alisson. PSG had 27 shots, 10 of which were on target,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3301224/alisson-saves-lucky-liverpool-fifas-us1-billion-incentive-200000-want-run-ny?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3301224/alisson-saves-lucky-liverpool-fifas-us1-billion-incentive-200000-want-run-ny?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 06 Mar 2025 00:30:14 +0000 For a team that has no forwards, Arsenal weren’t too shabby in their sensational 7-1 victory away to PSV Eindhoven in the Uefa Champions League first leg. While, even without strikers, the Gunners would expect to be favourites for this one, they were up against a team who stormed to the title last season and knocked out Juventus in the previous round. But Arsenal were relentless and took a 3-0 lead inside 31 minutes thanks to goals from Jurrien Timber, Ethan Nwaneri and Mikel Merino. Noa Lang... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3301074/arsenal-hit-7-champions-league-judd-trump-wows-kai-tak-mavericks-major-ko?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3301074/arsenal-hit-7-champions-league-judd-trump-wows-kai-tak-mavericks-major-ko?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:30:16 +0000 Tennis great Serena Williams is the newest member of the Toronto Tempo’s ownership group, the WNBA expansion franchise said on Monday. “New court, new game,” the team posted on X along with a 15-second video that features Williams dribbling with a tennis ball. Williams joins principal owner Larry Tanenbaum, chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures, whose holdings include the NBA’s Toronto Raptors, NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto FC of MLS. “Serena Williams is an icon, a role model and a force... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3300913/serena-williams-joins-wnba-ownership-group-nottingham-forest-reach-fa-cup-quarter-finals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3300913/serena-williams-joins-wnba-ownership-group-nottingham-forest-reach-fa-cup-quarter-finals?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Mar 2025 00:30:19 +0000 There’s a busy week of sport ahead in Hong Kong, with snooker’s World Grand Prix bringing the best players, minus Ronnie O’Sullivan, to Kai Tak Arena, while some of golf’s global stars return with LIV for a second year running. March generally is going to leave sports fans in the city spoiled for choice ahead of the annual bacchanal that is the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens. Not that there wasn’t plenty happening overnight either, so, here’s a look backwards and forwards to start your... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3300765/holders-united-out-fa-cup-chile-kenya-win-sevens-stop-snooker-matches-made-heaven?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3300765/holders-united-out-fa-cup-chile-kenya-win-sevens-stop-snooker-matches-made-heaven?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Mar 2025 00:30:26 +0000 It may not have been the most glamorous FA Cup fifth round line-up, but Saturday’s matches sure did deliver. Penalty shoot-outs, red cards, young heroes and a meeting of two sides who faced off on the opening weekend of the English Football League in September 1888. So let’s take a look at what happened. In it to win it They suffered a scare against this season’s giant-killers, Plymouth Argyle, but Manchester City roared back to win 3-1 and must be considered the team to avoid in the last... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3300708/fa-cup-round-man-city-through-penalties-red-cards-and-more-tsitsipas-dubai-crown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3300708/fa-cup-round-man-city-through-penalties-red-cards-and-more-tsitsipas-dubai-crown?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Mar 2025 00:30:07 +0000 Could this be a year when the English FA Cup is won by someone outside the traditional big five? Since 1995, only three times has someone other than Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal or Chelsea won it. Of those, only the two Manchesters remain as round five kicks off – and it’s far from a vintage campaign for either. Could this be Aston Villa’s year? Asensio at the double On-loan Paris Saint-Germain star Marco Asensio has been an inspired signing by compatriot Unai... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3300643/asensio-shines-aston-villa-fa-cup-duplantis-latest-world-record-embiids-ko?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3300643/asensio-shines-aston-villa-fa-cup-duplantis-latest-world-record-embiids-ko?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Mar 2025 00:30:11 +0000 Thursday nights with no European football present little in the sense of live sporting action with the main bits saved for the weekend. And, while there was one English Premier League match, the main highlights were elsewhere. So let’s dive right in and take a look at the main news headlines while you were sleeping. Special ban Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho was handed a four-match ban and fined by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) following his comments about Turkish referees after a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3300456/mourinhos-4-match-ban-sinner-award-nomination-withdrawn-hamilton-enjoying-ferrari-life?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3300456/mourinhos-4-match-ban-sinner-award-nomination-withdrawn-hamilton-enjoying-ferrari-life?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Feb 2025 00:30:16 +0000 Surely we can crown Liverpool champions of the Premier League for 2024-25 now, can’t we? Wednesday’s results have left them with no challenger in sight. So let’s take a look at what happened. 20:20 vision Liverpool’s quest for a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title is closer than ever after a 2-0 victory over Newcastle, coupled with Arsenal’s 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest, sent them 13 points clear. Goals in each half from Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister sealed the points... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3300294/liverpool-start-title-celebrations-haaland-scores-england-eliminated-speedy-norris?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3300294/liverpool-start-title-celebrations-haaland-scores-england-eliminated-speedy-norris?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Feb 2025 00:30:13 +0000 Just to prove that Cole Palmer’s cold streak is not limited to games against good teams, he failed to score against Southampton on Tuesday, a side with the most obliging of defences. Still, at least his teammates knew where the goal was. A 4-0 thrashing of Southampton got the Chelsea bandwagon rolling again. In fact, there were goals galore across the football spectrum overnight, so, here’s a quick look at what happened while you were sleeping. Normal service (almost) resumed It has not been a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3300129/no-goals-cole-chelsea-thrash-saints-barcelona-and-atletico-8-goal-thriller?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3300129/no-goals-cole-chelsea-thrash-saints-barcelona-and-atletico-8-goal-thriller?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Feb 2025 00:30:19 +0000 It doesn’t rain, it pours at Old Trafford these days. Almost every update that comes out of Manchester United is negative – and Tuesday morning’s was no exception. Once again, though, the focus turns to matters off the pitch which, believe it or not, are even worse than those on it. More cuts Manchester United will cut around 150-200 more jobs as part of an overhaul to return to profitability after five years of losses. The plan is in addition to 250 jobs removed last year, the club said. The... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3299975/manchester-united-job-cuts-reach-over-400-leeds-huge-win-luka-doncic-face-mavs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3299975/manchester-united-job-cuts-reach-over-400-leeds-huge-win-luka-doncic-face-mavs?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:30:14 +0000 A weekend which many predicted could open up the English Premier League title race ended up doing the opposite. Arsenal had the chance to close the gap on leaders Liverpool with the visit of lowly West Ham, with Arne Slot’s side travelling to Manchester City the following day. But the Gunners were beaten 1-0 and Liverpool? Well, let’s start there. Rampant Reds A first win at the Etihad Stadium since 2015 all but handed Liverpool a second English Premier League title as they opened up an 11-point... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3299840/premier-league-title-race-over-france-set-six-nations-decider-froomes-horror-crash?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3299840/premier-league-title-race-over-france-set-six-nations-decider-froomes-horror-crash?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Feb 2025 00:30:18 +0000 It’s another action packed weekend and we’ve got heroes and villains galore once more. The curse of Old Trafford has been lifted from another Manchester United escapee, Scotland lost the Calcutta Cup because Finn Russell left his kicking boots at home, and US athlete Shelby Houlihan, who used the infamous “burrito defence” to try and avoid a four-year doping ban, was back on the track. Here then is a glimpse at some of what happened while you were sleeping. Villans get new hero Add Marcus... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3299779/marcus-rashford-turns-hero-villans-england-get-lucky-andreeva-makes-wta-history?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3299779/marcus-rashford-turns-hero-villans-england-get-lucky-andreeva-makes-wta-history?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Feb 2025 00:29:38 +0000 Leicester City’s bid to avoid relegation from the Premier League hit a historic low on Friday, while Brentford set a new club record in a 4-0 win at the King Power Stadium. Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side would have moved out of the relegation zone with a victory, but instead they remain two points from safety. Yoane Wissa, Bryan Mbeumo and Christian Norgaard all scored for Brentford – who won a fourth consecutive away match for the first time in the top-flight – in a wretched first half for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3299721/woeful-leicester-hit-historic-low-parker-weighs-alone-olympics-venue-sabotaged?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3299721/woeful-leicester-hit-historic-low-parker-weighs-alone-olympics-venue-sabotaged?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 22 Feb 2025 00:30:23 +0000 Tiger Woods has said he believes the rift in men’s professional golf is going to “heal quickly” following the involvement of US President Donald Trump. PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, Tiger Woods and Adam Scott met President Donald Trump and Saudi businessman Yasir Al-Rumayyan on Thursday at the White House to discuss a merger with LIV Golf. Woods confirmed an initial meeting took place last week that he was unable to attend, adding in public comments on Sunday that he would be present for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3299530/tiger-woods-backs-donald-trump-heal-golf-carlos-alcaraz-out-victor-wembanyamas-ko?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3299530/tiger-woods-backs-donald-trump-heal-golf-carlos-alcaraz-out-victor-wembanyamas-ko?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Feb 2025 00:30:47 +0000 Money buys success in football, just look at Real Madrid, a club that has spent decades winning with the best it could splash its billions on. Whether the finances are entirely kosher is another argument entirely, but then football’s bosses have a nasty habit of looking the other way when the giants of the game are throwing their significant weight around. But it’s not always a guarantee of happy nights and celebratory Sundays. Manchester City spent £184.8 million (US$223 million) on players... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3299368/kylian-mbappe-real-deal-citys-us223-million-flops-slot-not-happy-villa-draw?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3299368/kylian-mbappe-real-deal-citys-us223-million-flops-slot-not-happy-villa-draw?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Feb 2025 00:30:15 +0000 Novak Djokovic was stunned 7-6, 6-2 by Matteo Berrettini in the Qatar Open first round on Tuesday as the Italian enjoyed his first win over the former world No 1. The defeat came just hours after the Serb announced he would continue with Andy Murray as his coach until the French Open and possibly even Wimbledon. Berrettini played superbly to knock out the twice champion in one hour, 35 minutes to secure his first victory against a top 10 opponent since January 2023. “It’s something that I’ve... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3299225/novak-djokovic-andy-murray-continue-giants-fall-champions-league-f1-row-not-stopping?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3299225/novak-djokovic-andy-murray-continue-giants-fall-champions-league-f1-row-not-stopping?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:30:11 +0000 Leeds United took a huge step towards a return to the English Premier League after Pascal Struijk’s dramatic 95th-minute winner defeated Championship-promotion rivals Sunderland 2-1 at Elland Road. Dutch defender Struijk was the unlikely hero with both Leeds goals despite only playing the final 20 minutes as a substitute. Wilson Isidor had fired Sunderland in front with his 12th goal of the season before half-time. But the Black Cats’ chances of automatic promotion are beginning to fade as Leeds... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3299064/leeds-take-big-step-towards-premier-league-promotion-barcelona-go-top-alcaraz-through?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3299064/leeds-take-big-step-towards-premier-league-promotion-barcelona-go-top-alcaraz-through?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:30:21 +0000 Tottenham earned a third victory of the season over Manchester United to rise above them in the English Premier League table as the Red Devils dropped to 15th – below David Moyes’ Everton. The patched-up visitors had no response to James Maddison’s 13th-minute opener, which earned Spurs a first home league win since November 3. “I have a lot of problems,” United boss Ruben Amorim said afterwards. “My job is so hard but I am here to continue my job next week with my beliefs and I will try to win... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3298926/tottenham-beat-man-utd-liverpool-nervous-mens-tennis-sensation-earns-first-atp-win?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3298926/tottenham-beat-man-utd-liverpool-nervous-mens-tennis-sensation-earns-first-atp-win?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Feb 2025 00:30:34 +0000 The 17-year-old forward Ethan Nwaneri drew comparisons with Lionel Messi, but it was the unlikely figure of Mikel Merino who came off the bench to rescue Arsenal’s Premier League title dreams in a 2-0 victory at Leicester City. The Gunners’ injury issues presented a rare starting opportunity for Raheem Sterling, but Mikel Arteta, the head coach, ran out of patience with the toiling former England winger after 69 minutes. On went Merino, who appeared in every match of Spain’s triumphant 2024... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3298861/arsenal-keep-pressure-liverpool-new-manchester-city-star-born-everton-win-again?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3298861/arsenal-keep-pressure-liverpool-new-manchester-city-star-born-everton-win-again?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 16 Feb 2025 00:29:46 +0000 Chelsea’s poor recent form continued as they were beaten 3-0 at Brighton to suffer their second defeat of the week by the Seagulls. Kaoru Mitoma opened the scoring on 27 minutes with a superb goal before Yankuba Minteh’s double confirmed the result. After briefly threatening a title challenge, Chelsea have now won just twice in their last nine matches, with four defeats in that run. Their most recent reverse leaves them vulnerable to dropping out of the top four with fifth-placed Manchester City... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3298800/chelsea-thrashed-brighton-scoreless-rugby-clash-iga-swiatek-swatted-aside-qatar?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3298800/chelsea-thrashed-brighton-scoreless-rugby-clash-iga-swiatek-swatted-aside-qatar?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Feb 2025 00:30:07 +0000 The New York Jets have informed Aaron Rodgers that they are moving on from the star quarterback after two seasons, the NFL team have said in a statement. “Last week we met with Aaron and shared that our intention was to move in a different direction at quarterback,” Jets head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey said. “It was important to have this discussion now to provide clarity and enable each of us the proper time to plan for our respective futures,” he added. Rodgers, 41,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/3298610/four-time-mvp-aaron-rodgers-leaves-new-york-jets-indoor-mile-record-smashed-france?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/3298610/four-time-mvp-aaron-rodgers-leaves-new-york-jets-indoor-mile-record-smashed-france?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Feb 2025 00:30:15 +0000 Goodison Park’s final Merseyside derby produced one of the most dramatic finishes in its history as James Tarkowski equalised in the eighth minute of added time to snatch a 2-2 Premier League draw for Everton against Liverpool. It sparked chaotic scenes as fans spilled onto the pitch and, after the final whistle, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot was sent off for confronting referee Michael Oliver. Liverpool’s Curtis Jones and Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure were also dismissed, for scuffling in front... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3298448/4-sent-liverpool-held-final-goodison-park-derby-no-alcohol-saudi-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3298448/4-sent-liverpool-held-final-goodison-park-derby-no-alcohol-saudi-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Feb 2025 00:33:44 +0000 Real Madrid edged a thrilling Champions League play-off first leg 3-2 against Manchester City, with Jude Bellingham scoring a last-minute winner at the Etihad. This was the fifth meeting in the past six seasons between the two sides generally considered the best in Europe over that period. But this season was different. Forced to compete in a play-off because they failed to finish in the Uefa Champions League top eight, it has been a complicated season for both. City have a fight just to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3298299/zheng-qinwen-big-guns-fall-qatar-real-madrid-beat-man-city-champions-league-battle?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3298299/zheng-qinwen-big-guns-fall-qatar-real-madrid-beat-man-city-champions-league-battle?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 12 Feb 2025 00:30:13 +0000 Carlo Ancelotti expects the winners of the Champions League to emerge from the clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City. The two European heavyweights have played in the latter stages of the competition in the past three seasons – with the victor going on to lift the trophy – and they meet again in this year’s play-off round. The first leg takes place at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday and, even despite City’s indifferent form this season, Real boss Ancelotti still regards opposite number Pep... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3298140/ancelloti-says-real-or-city-will-win-champions-league-gender-test-elite-athletes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3298140/ancelloti-says-real-or-city-will-win-champions-league-gender-test-elite-athletes?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Feb 2025 00:35:38 +0000 Liverpool slumped to a stunning 1-0 defeat against the second tier’s bottom side, Plymouth Argyle, in the FA Cup fourth round to end their Quadruple hopes. The English Premier League and Uefa Champions League league phase leaders were red-hot favourites, but fell to a second-half Ryan Hardie penalty in what has to go down as one of the biggest shocks in the modern history of the old competition. Manager Arne Slot likened his opponents’ performance to that of his side’s arch rivals in a meeting... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3298000/liverpool-stunned-fa-cup-indias-odi-win-v-england-ireland-march-six-nations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3298000/liverpool-stunned-fa-cup-indias-odi-win-v-england-ireland-march-six-nations?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 10 Feb 2025 00:30:22 +0000 FA Cup holders Manchester United sneaked into the fifth round thanks to a controversial stoppage-time winner by Harry Maguire. The defender headed home Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick to complete a turnaround against his former club, but did so from an offside position. Yet, with no VAR at this stage of the competition, the goal stood and United beat Leicester 2-1. Bobby De Cordova-Reid had given the visitors, managed by former United forward Ruud van Nistelrooy, a first-half lead before Joshua... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3297869/man-utds-controversial-fergie-time-winner-tiger-woods-back-carlos-alcaraz-eyes-history?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3297869/man-utds-controversial-fergie-time-winner-tiger-woods-back-carlos-alcaraz-eyes-history?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 08 Feb 2025 00:30:07 +0000 Carabao Cup holders Liverpool stormed into the final as they demolished Tottenham 4-0 at Anfield in their semi-final second leg. Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, they took the lead on the night after 34 minutes through Cody Gakpo before Mohamed Salah netted from the spot six minutes after half-time. Dominic Szoboszlai effectively sealed the tie with the third of the night, and Virgil van Dijk headed in the fourth from a corner. The Carabao Cup was the last trophy won under previous manager... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3297699/ohtani-interpreters-5-year-jail-sentence-amorims-rashford-jibe-trump-reunite-golf?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3297699/ohtani-interpreters-5-year-jail-sentence-amorims-rashford-jibe-trump-reunite-golf?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Feb 2025 00:30:19 +0000 Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce said it would be a “great honour” to play in front of US President Donald Trump in Sunday’s Super Bowl. Trump is set to become the first sitting president to attend the NFL’s title game, when the Chiefs face the Philadelphia Eagles at the New Orleans Superdome. Kelce, whose superstar girlfriend Taylor Swift publicly criticised Trump and endorsed his rival Kamala Harris during last year’s election, welcomed the announcement. “That’s awesome, it’s a great... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3297538/taylor-swifts-nfl-star-partner-proud-donald-trump-attend-super-bowl-newcastle-final?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3297538/taylor-swifts-nfl-star-partner-proud-donald-trump-attend-super-bowl-newcastle-final?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 06 Feb 2025 00:30:25 +0000 Having the terms video assistant referee and key match incidents (KMI) panel as part of football’s lexicon feels pretty dismal for those of us who would love to return to simpler and more innocent times. Here we are, though, with various bodies and officials settled on the gravy train and meddling with a sport that is becoming unrecognisable from the one we enjoyed pre-VAR. From Premier League bosses overnight, then, came news that brought to mind the phrase about marking your own... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3297377/arteta-unhappy-halep-quits-luka-doncic-shock-and-premier-league-sticks-var?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3297377/arteta-unhappy-halep-quits-luka-doncic-shock-and-premier-league-sticks-var?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:29:44 +0000