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Recent sports updates in football

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By Timothy Akintola

Latest on van Nistelrooy, Ronaldo, Tottenham, Newcastle United and Musiala.

Ruud van Nistelrooy commences interim reign with a thrilling win over Leicester.

Manchester United legend, Ruud van Nistelrooy’s tenure as Manchester United’s interim manager began on a high note, as the Red Devils clinched a 5-2 win over Leicester City to advance to the EFL Cup quarterfinals. Taking charge after Erik ten Hag’s exit, van Nistelrooy witnessed a thrilling display from his side at Old Trafford. United started strong, with Casemiro scoring a stunning long-range goal in the 15th minute. Alejandro Garnacho then doubled the lead, only for Leicester’s Bilal El Khannouss to pull one back. United quickly responded, with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro adding two more within minutes. Though Conor Coady’s goal for Leicester just before halftime hinted at a comeback, Fernandes sealed the win after intercepting a back-pass and scoring confidently. United now face Tottenham in the next round, keeping hopes alive for a domestic trophy as Van Nistelrooy celebrates his promising start.

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Ronaldo loses a last minute penalty as Al Nassr crashes out of the King Cup.

Al-Nassr’s King Cup of Champions journey ended in disappointment on Tuesday, as they were knocked out in the Round of 16 following a 1-0 defeat to Al-Taawoun. Last season’s finalists were undone by Waleed Al-Ahmed’s decisive goal in the 71st minute. Al-Nassr had a golden opportunity to equalize in the 96th minute with a penalty, but Cristiano Ronaldo, typically reliable from the spot, shockingly missed by sending his shot over the bar, visibly frustrated afterward. Despite joining the Saudi Arabian club nearly two years ago, Ronaldo is still seeking his first major trophy with Al-Nassr. They now have little time to recover, as they face league leaders Al-Hilal in a crucial Saudi Pro League match on Friday, a high-stakes clash that will test their resilience following this latest setback.


Ange Postecoglou’s men eliminate Manchester City from the Carabao Cup.

Tottenham pulled off a major upset in the Carabao Cup, defeating Manchester City 2-1 in the fourth round on Thursday morning. Spurs struck early with goals from Timo Werner in the fifth minute and Pape Matar Sarr in the 25th, giving them a strong lead. Man City’s Matheus Nunes responded just before halftime, but Tottenham held firm in the second half to secure the victory. The result was especially surprising given Tottenham’s recent defeat to Crystal Palace, which marked Palace’s first win of the Premier League season. Sitting eighth in the Premier League after nine games, Tottenham’s manager Ange Postecoglou will need to steer his team toward European qualification. This win over City is Tottenham’s first under Postecoglou and brings them closer to ending their 16-year wait for a trophy.

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Isak scores as Newcastle United secures a spot in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup.

Newcastle United advanced to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals with a 2-0 win over Chelsea, scoring twice in three first-half minutes. This match, their second in quick succession against Chelsea, saw Newcastle gain some redemption after a recent Premier League loss. Eddie Howe fielded a strong lineup, contrasting with Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca’s heavy squad rotation. Newcastle’s Alexander Isak opened the scoring by capitalizing on a Chelsea error deep in their half, and minutes later, Chelsea’s Axel Disasi inadvertently scored an own goal following a quick Newcastle free-kick that caught Chelsea off-guard. Maresca’s choice to make only one substitution, leaving key players like Cole Palmer on the bench, hinted at Chelsea’s priorities lying elsewhere. Newcastle now move forward in their bid for their first major domestic trophy since 1955, entering the quarter-final draw with momentum.


Bayern defeats Mainz 4-0; advances to the third round of the German Cup.

Jamal Musiala’s first-half hat-trick propelled Bayern Munich to a commanding 4-0 win over Mainz 05, securing their place in the German Cup third round. Musiala opened the scoring just two minutes in, slotting home from a Harry Kane pass after a powerful run by Alphonso Davies. The in-form midfielder added his second in the 37th minute with a close-range header, then completed his hat-trick in first-half stoppage time following Leroy Sané’s goal just moments earlier, effectively sealing the game. Despite easing up after the break, Bayern’s defense held firm, and Mainz couldn’t break through. Substitute Leon Goretzka nearly added a fifth with a glancing header, only to be denied by a spectacular save from Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner. Bundesliga leaders, Bayern avoided an early exit, having previously fallen in the second round three out of the last four years.

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