Finn Azaz and Matt Doherty scored first-half headers as the Republic of Ireland battled back to beat Bulgaria 2-1 in the first leg of their Nations League play-off. Marin Petkov fired the hosts into an early lead at a sparsely-populated Hristo Botev Stadium in Plovdiv but midfielder Azaz quickly levelled with his first international goal.
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Newcastle United secured their first domestic trophy for 70 years – and ended a wait for a major prize stretching back to 1969 – with a deserved Carabao Cup final win over Liverpool at Wembley. The Toon Army were sent into ecstasy as goals either side of half-time by Dan Burn and Alexander Isak but endured an anxious finish after a late Federico Chiesa strike during a lengthy spell of injury time gave Liverpool brief hope of a fightback.
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Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick to lead his side to victory against 10-man Real Sociedad at Old Trafford and book a Europa League quarter-final encounter with French club Lyon. United got off to the worst possible start as Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the spot however the were level within six minutes as Fernandes converted a spot kick of his own to light the touch paper for a comprehensive victory.
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Real Madrid controversially beat city rivals Atletico 4-2 on penalties to reach the Champions League quarterfinals following an enthralling round-of-16 tie which ended 2-2 on aggregate after extra time. Julian Alvarez had a penalty dramatically ruled out in the shootout paving the way for Antonio Rudiger to convert the winning spot kick.
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Liverpool’s Champions League ambitions were ended after they lost on penalties to an outstanding Paris Saint Germain side after a night of drama at Anfield. PSG, needing to claw back a 1-0 deficit from the first leg at home, demonstrated how they have matured under coach Luis Enrique as they knocked out a Liverpool side touted as favourites to win the tournament. Ousmane Dembele’s early goal provided the platform for the turnaround with the Parisians holding their nerve from 12 yards.
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