Two sublime strikes from Joao Pedro fired Chelsea into the Champions League round of 16 as they finished sixth in the league phase table after a 3-2 win at Napoli. The Blues found themselves behind in Italy but responded well in the second half to dump Napoli out of the competition while avoiding two additional games in the knockout play-offs.
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Liverpool coasted past Marseille and put themselves in a strong position to finish in the Champions League top eight on a night where Mohamed Salah returned to the starting XI for Arne Slot’s side. A moment of genius from Dominik Szoboszlai gave Liverpool the lead in the first half, an own goal from goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli doubled their advantage and Cody Gakpo added a third in the 92nd minute.
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Gabriel Martinelli responded to his recent criticism by scoring a hat-trick for Arsenal in their 4-1 comeback win over Portsmouth to reach the FA Cup fourth round. Mikel Arteta’s side were, however, given an early scare by the Championship side as Colby Bishop slammed Pompey in front after just three minutes but his side were only behind for five minutes after an own goal from Andre Dozzell.
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Former England and Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan has been diagnosed with cancer. The 74-year-old was recently admitted to hospital after presenting abdominal symptoms and tests have shown he has the disease for which he is undergoing treatment. Keegan was twice named European Footballer of the Year while at German club Hamburg.
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Africa Cup of Nations 2025 hosts Morocco began their campaign to win a second continental title with a somewhat nervy win over Comoros in the tournament opener in rainy Rabat. The Atlas Lions spurned a glorious chance to take an 11th-minute lead but broke the deadlock in the second half through Brahim Diaz and an acrobatic finish from Ayoub El Kaabi.
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