Portugal booked their place in the last 16 as group winners at Euro 2024 following a routine victory over Turkey in Dortmund. Bernardo Silva opened the scoring midway through the first half, striking first time past goalkeeper Altay Bayindir. A calamitous own goal doubled Portugal’s lead before the break with Bruno Fernandes putting the icing on the cake after the restart.
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Holders Italy battled back for a hard-earned opening victory after Albania scored the fastest goal in a European Championship match. Nedim Bajrami made history after just 23 seconds when he thrashed a strike into the top right corner but Albania’s jubilation was not long-lasting with Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella firing Italy to victory.
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Napoli fought back to hold visitors Barcelona to a dour 1-1 draw in their Champions League last-16 first leg on Wednesday as Victor Osimhen cancelled out Robert Lewandowski’s opener. Last year’s Spanish and Italian champions, both struggling this season, played out a poor match in which both sides were toothless and lacking attacking flair.
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Liverpool’s Champions League hopes ended at the hands of Real Madrid for a third consecutive season as they failed to overcome their first-leg Anfield demolition. The Reds, who lost the first leg 5-2, lined up with four forwards at the Bernabeu as they looked to add another famous comeback to their fabled European history but Karim Benzema would be the only man to score.
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