Rashford brace powers Barca to victory over Newcastle

Marcus Rashford made a spectacular Champions League bow for Barcelona as Newcastle United’s campaign got off to a losing start at St James’ Park. The Englishman scored a superb second half brace to give the Catalans a healthy lead however they were made to work for their win as a late Anthony Gordon goal setup a tense finale.

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Liverpool tell Barcelona Luis Díaz is not for sale

Liverpool have told Barcelona that Luis Díaz is not for sale after rejecting the Spanish champions’ first approach for the Colombia international. Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, contacted Liverpool officials on Wednesday to discuss the possible transfer of Díaz, who also has interest from the Saudi Pro League. However, Deco was informed Liver­pool have no intention of ­selling the 28-year-old.

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Chelsea fightback thrashing Betis to win Conference League

Chelsea’s season ended in glory in Wroclaw as they came from behind to beat Real Betis 4-1 in the Conference League final to seal the London club’s seventh major European trophy. Everything for Enzo Maresca’s team hinged around a five-minute spell midway through the second half. In that window Cole Palmer turned a match the LaLiga side had enjoyed by far the better of into a Chelsea procession.

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Xabi Alonso appointed as new Real Madrid manager

Real Madrid have appointed their former midfielder Xabi Alonso as manager on a three-year deal. Alonso, who made 236 appearances for Real Madrid as a player, announced earlier this month that he would leave his role as Bayer Leverkusen boss at the end of the season. Former Liverpool and Spain midfielder Alonso, who has signed a deal running until 30 June 2028, succeeds Carlo Ancelotti.

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Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti confirmed as new Brazil coach

Carlo Ancelotti has been confirmed as the new manager of Brazil’s men’s national team, the first foreign national to take sole charge of the world’s most successful side since 1925. After months of speculation, it has been confirmed that the 65-year-old Italian is to leave Real Madrid at the end of the Spanish domestic season to take up what will be his first international coaching role. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) revealed the news in a statement on Monday, welcoming Ancelotti, a man they described as a “legend” of the game.

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