Fantastic France thrash Wales in Six Nations opener

Antoine Dupont inspired France to a crushing record opening Six Nations victory against woeful Wales in Paris. France heaped more misery on Warren Gatland’s side in the seven-try success as a hapless Welsh team were completely outclassed. Home captain Dupont dazzled on his Six Nations return as he provided the inspiration with three try assists before he was taken off after only 49 minutes.

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Mainoo stars as United secure last 16 spot with win at FCSB

Manchester United advanced straight to the Europa League last 16 as Kobbie Mainoo scored one and assisted another to help Ruben Amorim’s side to a win at FCSB. After a relatively drab first 60 minutes Mainoo’s low pass found wing-back Diogo Dalot, who was unmarked at the back post to comfortably tap United ahead. Eight minutes later the England midfielder got on to the scoresheet by side-footing home Alejandro Garnacho’s cut-back.

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Manchester City survive Brugge scare to progress

Manchester City survived a huge scare as they scraped into the Champions League play-offs with victory over Club Brugge at Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola’s men knew only victory would suffice to avoid the abject embarrassment of slipping out of the top 24 places in the tournament’s new format. They were left facing that grim prospect after Raphael Onyedika gave Club Brugge a shock lead but a second half turnaround was enough to see them progress.

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Guardiola says City need ‘something special’ to survive in Champions League

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has described his side’s Champions League situation as “not a problem” but “an opportunity” but will need something special tomorrow. The 2022-23 champions are 25th in the 36-team league, two points out of the positions that qualify for the knockout phase play-offs. They must beat Belgians Club Brugge at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday to avoid being eliminated at the group stage.

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Belgian footballer Radja Nainggolan arrested in drug trafficking probe

Belgian footballer Radja Nainggolan has been arrested as part of an investigation into cocaine trafficking. The 36-year-old was one of several suspects apprehended by Belgian police on Monday morning, after a series of raids were carried out across the country. Nainggolan played for the Belgian national team as well as Serie A giants AS Roma and Inter Milan.

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