Ireland beat Spain to lift WXV3 title

28.10.2023 - 22:29 breakingnews.ie

Ireland were crowned inaugural WXV3 champions after a late 15-13 comeback victory over Spain in Dubai. Edel McMahon was sent to the sin bin almost immediately after kick-off for a high tackle and Spain capitalised on the advantage with a Claudia Pena Hidalgo try at the 10-minute mark.

Amalia Argudo kicked the extras and later added a penalty to make it 10-0 before Ireland got on the scoreboard through Dannah O’Brien’s penalty, before another Argudo penalty restored Spain’s 10-point advantage before the break.

It was a different Ireland who came out for the second half and Grace Moore touched down for their first try, with O’Brien converting.

Rugby Spain Ireland

NORWAY U21s 3-2 REPUBLIC IF IRELAND U21s

Michael O'Neill taking positives from disappointing Northern Ireland campaign

Michael O'Neill is convinced his young Northern Ireland side have taken significant strides forward despite the miserable results of an injury-ruined Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.

Leverkusen Beat Union To Go Top And Equal Best-Ever Bundesliga Start

Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen equalled the best start to a Bundesliga season in history as they returned to the top of the table with a dominant 4-0 home win over Union Berlin on Sunday. The victory means Leverkusen have amassed 31 of a possible 33 points after 11 matches, equal to the record set by Pep Guardiola's Bayern Munich in 2015-16. Bayern's 4-2 victory over Heidenheim saw the Bavarians spend Saturday night atop the standings but Alonso's men were dominant on Sunday, winning with goals from Alex Grimaldo, Odilon Kossounou, Jonathan Tah and Nathan Tella.

European wrap: Ireland's Jake O'Brien heads winner for Lyon

Jake O'Brien scored the only goal as basement side Lyon beat Rennes 1-0 to secure their first Ligue 1 win of the season.

Lindelof rides to Man Utd’s rescue to beat Luton

MANCHESTER, United Kingdom: Victor Lindelof was Manchester United’s unlikely hero as they moved into the Premier League’s top six with a 1-0 win over Luton on Saturday. The Swedish defender scored his first goal for nearly three years by smashing in from close range after Luton failed to clear a corner. United boss Erik ten Hag desperately needed a response after his side slumped to a ninth defeat in 17 games this season by losing 4-3 to FC Copenhagen on Wednesday. The English giants may be at risk of an early exit from the Champions League, but they have now won four of their last five in the Premier League. All of those victories have been by a single goal and the manner of victory was again far from convincing for United in the Hatters’ first trip to Old Trafford since 1991. Rasmus Hojlund scored twice on his return to Denmark in midweek to take his tally to five goals in four Champions League games. However, Hojlund is still yet to net in the Premier League. The £64 million ($78 million) signing missed two big chances to break his duck. Hojlund’s best piece of play then teed up Alejandro Garnacho, who failed to beat Thomas Kaminski when clean through on goal. United had to wait until just before the hour mark to make the breakthrough. Marcus Rashford’s low cross was deflected back into the path of Lindelof, who made no mistake from 10 yards out. Rashford was among those guilty of wasting opportunities to add to United’s lead. But United were rarely troubled defensively as they registered a first Premier League clean sheet at Old Trafford since the opening weekend of the season. Victory takes United within six points of league leaders Manchester City. Luton remain outside the relegation zone only on goal difference.

Michael O’Neill expecting a tough international window for Northern Ireland

Michael O’Neill is bracing himself for another challenging international window as Northern Ireland’s bruising Euro 2024 qualifying campaign comes to an end this month.