City start title defence with comeback victory over Red Star

Manchester City came from behind and Julian Alvarez scored two second-half goals as Pep Guardiola’s men began the defence of their Champions League title with a win against Serbian champions Red Star Belgrade. European Cup winners themselves in 1991, Red Star threatened a famous win when Osman Bukari put them in front at the end of the first-half.

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Netherlands fightback to crush Irish hopes of qualification

Republic of Ireland lost 2-1 to the Netherlands in their Euro 2024 Group B qualifier as their slim qualification hopes went up in smoke. Ireland got off to a dream start when, with just two minutes gone, Dutch skipper Virgil van Dijk was penalised for handling James McClean’s corner and Adam Idah fired home from the penalty spot. However a Cody Gakpo penalty and a second half strike from Wout Weghorst turned the tie for the Dutch.

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Haaland bags a brace as City breeze past Burnley

Erling Haaland was back in the old routine with a devastating display of finishing as Manchester City opened the defence of their Premier League title with a comfortable victory at Burnley. The goalscoring phenomenon, who hit 52 goals as City won the Treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League last season, took only 185 seconds to open his account for the new campaign, striking a blow from which the newly promoted Clarets never recovered.

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Arsenal edge out Manchester City in Community Shield shootout

Arsenal gave their hopes of beating Manchester City to the Premier League title a psychological boost as they defeated Pep Guardiola’s side on penalties to win the Community Shield. After a largely forgettable 70 minutes in the season curtain-raiser, Cole Palmer looked to have won it for City when the substitute curled home a stunning strike. But Leandro Trossard equalised in the 101st minute when his shot deflected into the back of the net.

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Improved Ireland put three past Gibraltar

Republic of Ireland belatedly worked their way to a 3-0 win over Gibraltar thanks to an improved second-half performance that helps to relieve the pressure on manager Stephen Kenny. After being held in the first half, substitute Mikey Johnston broke the deadlock seven minutes after the break with his first international goal.

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