Noni Madueke scored his first goal for Arsenal as the Gunners put three past Bayern Munich to maintain their 100% record in the Champions League. Arsenal were dominant from the beginning of the game and took the lead in the 22nd minute when Jurrien Timber headed home, Bayern levelled through Lennart Karl but a second goals from Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli secured a statement win.
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Chelsea winger Estevao Willian outshone fellow teenage superstar Lamine Yamal in a sensational 3-0 home win over 10-man Barcelona in the Champions League. Estevao, 18, scored a stunning second goal after Barcelona went down to 10 men – skipper Ronald Araujo sent off for a second booking just before the break. A Jules Kounde own goal had given Chelsea the lead and the Blues controlled proceedings with Liam Delap adding a third.
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Ireland face a trip away to the Czech Republic in their World Cup play-off semi-finals following the draw today in Zurich. Should Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side overcome that challenge they will enjoy home advantage against either Denmark or North Macedonia. The Danes defeated Ireland 5-1 in 2017 to book a place at the 2018 World Cup. Elsewhere Northern Ireland will face Italy in their semi-final clash with the winner set to face Wales or Bosnia & Herzegovina.
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Troy Parrott completed a hat-trick with virtually the last kick of the game as the Republic of Ireland came from behind to beat Hungary and reach the World Cup play-offs. Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side needed a win in Budapest to secure a spot in the play-offs. Daniel Lukacs’ fourth-minute header gave Hungary the ideal start, and while Troy Parrott’s penalty brought the Irish level, Barnabas Varga’s stunning strike restored the home side’s lead before the break. In a nail-biting second half, Parrott’s deft finish 10 minutes from time setup a grand stand finale and the Dubliner popped up at the death to poke home a memorable winner.
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Nottingham Forest won a third straight FA Cup penalty shootout to beat Brighton and reach the semi-finals of the competition for the first time in 34 years. Goalkeeper Matz Sels was the hero for the visitors, saving Jack Hinshelwood and Diego Gomez’s spot-kicks as Forest won the shootout 4-3 after the drab match had finished goalless after 120 minutes of action.
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