Parrott powers Ireland to vital win over Portugal as Ronaldo sees red

A first half brace from Troy Parrott powered Ireland to a vital victory over Portugal to keep their dreams of World Cup qualification alive. Cristiano Ronaldo received his first red card at international level for a petulant elbow on Dara O’Shea in the second half as Ireland defended heroically to secure the three points. Portugal knew a win would secure their place at the finals but they must now seal their place on Sunday against Armenia.

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Rob Edwards confirmed as new Wolves head coach

Wolves have appointed Rob Edwards as their new head coach after he left Middlesbrough to join the Premier League’s bottom side. Edwards has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal at Molineux. The 42-year-old had been in talks with Wolves since Saturday after he was stood down from Boro’s Championship game against Birmingham and was given permission to speak to Wolves.

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Ajax to sack manager John Heitinga

Ajax have fired manager John Heitinga after a disastrous start to the season, the club confirmed on Thursday. On Wednesday evening, Ajax lost 3-0 to Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League to start their European season with four consecutive defeats. The Dutch giants announced that Heitinga’s contract had been suspended with immediate effect and will now be terminated.

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Garnacho rescues draw for Chelsea away to Qarabag

Chelsea escaped suffering a historic loss to Qarabag through substitute Alejandro Garnacho’s second-half equaliser, avoiding the embarrassment of becoming the first English team to lose to the Azerbaijani side. Garnacho equalised having come on as one of three half-time substitutes with his side 2-1 down after goals from Leandro Andrade and Marko Jankovic had put the hosts ahead following Estevao Willian’s early opener for the Blues.

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Mac Allister earns Liverpool impressive win over Real Madrid

Liverpool were back to their best as they dominated Real Madrid with an outstanding performance to secure a crucial Champions League victory at Anfield. Arne Slot’s men ended a spell of six defeats in seven games with a win against Aston Villa on Saturday, and the revival continued as Real were overpowered. Liverpool’s victory was far more convincing than the scoreline suggests, with Alexis Mac Allister finally breaking the deadlock in the second half.

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