FC Barcelona bounced back from back-to-back defeats to beat Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg. An Eder Militao own goal separated the sides at the Bernabeu despite the hosts having more possession and chances. It is a welcome result for Barca after they lost to Manchester United in the Europa League and Almeria in La Liga.
Read more
Manchester United are celebrating the first major trophy of the Erik ten Hag era after breaking success-starved Newcastle’s hearts to win the Carabao Cup final. Both sides headed to Wembley desperate for a victory that could provide the catalyst to a brighter future and it was the ever-improving Red Devils that emerged victorious under the arch.
Read more
A disastrous opening 20 minutes ultimately proved costly for Scotland as their perfect start to the Guinness Six Nations campaign came to an end with a 32-21 defeat by France in Paris. Gregor Townsend’s side were ripped apart early on as the hosts raced into a 19-0 lead but they launched a second half comeback that had the hosts under real pressure.
Read more
England posted a first statement win of the Steve Borthwick era as they heaped further misery on Wales with a 20-10 victory in Cardiff. England’s success – only a third in the Welsh capital from their last eight visits – kept alive their Guinness Six Nations title hopes – although tournament heavyweights France and Ireland now loom large.
Read more
Ireland remain on course for a 2023 Six Nations Grand Slam, but made heavy weather of a 34-20 Round 3 victory over Italy at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. The visitors scored five tries while also having a further two ruled out for knock-ons, but they regularly allowed Italy back into a contest they appeared in control of.
Read more