Newcastle pay penalty as Barca battle to earn draw

Lamine Yamal rescued a draw for Barcelona with a 96th-minute penalty to deny Newcastle United a famous win in the Champions League. Newcastle looked to have taken control of the first leg of their last-16 tie when Harvey Barnes fired the hosts in front with a first-time finish late on. But Barcelona were awarded a penalty deep into stoppage time after substitute Dani Olmo was brought down by Malick Thiaw inside the box. Lamine Yamal stepped up and coolly sent goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale the wrong way to level the tie.

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Xabi Alonso leaves Real Madrid replaced by Álvaro Arbeloa

Xabi Alonso has left his position as Real Madrid manager after less than eight months in charge, with his former Liverpool team-mate Alvaro Arbeloa taking over. The La Liga side said former Bayer Leverkusen manager Alonso, 44, had left by “mutual consent” and minutes later announced Arbeloa’s appointment. The former Spain and Real full-back has been promoted from coaching Real’s B team.

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Yamal fires Barca to derby victory securing La Liga title

Barcelona have been crowned Spanish champions for a 28th time after a 2-0 victory over Espanyol on Thursday evening. The win means Barça have an unassailable lead at the top of La Liga. They are seven points clear of Real Madrid with only two games left to play. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal scored early in the second half and teed up substitute Fermin Lopez who added a late second to secure the league title.

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