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Roma reach Europa League last 16 as 10-man Ajax scrape through

PARIS: Paulo Dybala scored twice as Roma beat Porto on Thursday to clinch a place in the last 16 of the Europa League, while Ajax clawed through in extra time despite playing a man down for 95 minutes. Spanish forward Samu Aghehowa gave Porto the lead against Roma after a 1-1 draw in Portugal last week, but two quick-fire goals from Dybala turned the tie in favor of the 2023 runners-up. Porto were reduced to 10 men when Canada midfielder Stephen Eustaquio was sent off early in the second half, and Niccolo Pisilli struck what proved to be the crucial third goal for Claudio Ranieri’s men. Devyne Rensch turned into his own net deep into added time as Roma progressed 4-3 on aggregate. “Having a champion like Dybala means a lot. He’s extraordinary; he says very little, but he is a leader and always says the right things,” Ranieri told Sky Sport. Roma will find out whether they play Athletic Bilbao or city rivals Lazio in the next round when the draw for the last 16 is conducted on Friday. “We have a huge opportunity in Europe.

Finn Russell returns as Scots seek record Calcutta Cup streak against England

Finn Russell has a "big role" to play after being passed fit as Scotland seek a record fifth straight Calcutta Cup victory against England in the Six Nations, according to head coach Gregor Townsend.

Bentaleb’s remarkable return could inspire Lille’s run for a Champions League spot

PARIS: If Lille need further motivation in their drive to qualify for the Champions League next season, then they need only look at Nabil Bentaleb’s remarkable return. The Lille midfielder scored four minutes after going on last Sunday in a 2-0 win at Rennes and was mobbed by his teammates. It wasn’t that he scored so soon after going on that made the goal so special, but rather because Bentaleb started training again only this month after suffering a cardiorespiratory arrest in mid-June. The 30-year-old was put into an artificial coma and fitted with a pacemaker-defibrillator days later. Doctors doubted the Algeria international would ever play again let alone resume his career at the top level. “It’s a story worthy of a movie. It brings Nabil even more joy and emotion because he is a boy who is very well liked in the group,” coach Bruno Genesio said. “It’s pretty rare to experience this. It’s a moment that will remain engraved in the history of the club.”

A potential new dawn for cricket in Europe

Into the existing global jigsaw of T20 franchise tournaments, in which the pieces do not quite fit together, another piece has been added. The International Cricket Council has sanctioned a league in Europe, to be known as the European T20 Premier League. It is made up of a partnership between the national cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands.

Inter Milan goalie Yann Sommer injures thumb ahead of key Serie A and Champions League games

MILAN: Inter Milan goalkeeper Yann Sommer has a broken right thumb ahead of key games in Serie A and the Champions League. Inter said the Swiss ‘keeper’s injury was revealed in tests on Thursday and “necessary therapy will be decided in the coming days.” Thumb injuries can sideline goalkeepers for several weeks though no timetable was set by Inter for Sommer, who has started every Serie A and Champions League game this season. The defending Serie A champion are second in the standings, trailing Napoli by two points, and travel to Naples at the end of next week. Inter first host Genoa on Saturday. Sommer also could miss the Champions League round-of-16 games on March 4 or 5 then March 10 or 11.

'There's nothing like playing at home': Canadians relish Vancouver rugby 7s stop

The roar of the costume-clad crowd at B.C. Place Stadium is still special for Charity Williams.

Spain's former soccer chief Rubiales says he will appeal court ruling

MADRID : Spain's former soccer chief Luis Rubiales told Reuters on Thursday he would appeal a court ruling which found him guilty of sexual assault for kissing player Jenni Hermoso without her consent.

Spanish FA clears referee Munuera following conflict of interest investigation

MADRID : Spanish referee Jose Munuera Montero has been cleared of any wrongdoing after the country's football federation (RFEF) looked into a possible conflict of interest between his refereeing and a private sports consultancy company that he co-owns.

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Spain Sport News

Roma reach Europa League last 16 as 10-man Ajax scrape through

Finn Russell returns as Scots seek record Calcutta Cup streak against England

Bentaleb’s remarkable return could inspire Lille’s run for a Champions League spot

A potential new dawn for cricket in Europe

Inter Milan goalie Yann Sommer injures thumb ahead of key Serie A and Champions League games

'There's nothing like playing at home': Canadians relish Vancouver rugby 7s stop

Spain's former soccer chief Rubiales says he will appeal court ruling

Spanish FA clears referee Munuera following conflict of interest investigation