Rangers reaction: Morelos a record breaker, Stewart Robertson targeted, how the players rated
As Giovanni van Bronckhorst was at pains to stress, it’s only half-time in Rangers’ Europa League last 16 tie against Red Star Belgrade.
Athletic Bilbao Sport News
Sam Johnstone to Chelsea: What do we know so far? Is a transfer likely to happen?
West Bromwich Albion may be forced to wave goodbye to one of their key players this summer as Sam Johnstone has been linked with a host of clubs during the 2021/22 campaign.
Rangers' Alfredo Morelos on brink of eclipsing his idol in Europa League charts
Alfredo Morelos has spent much of his life and career looking up in admiration at Radamel Falcao.
Leeds United are yet to offer Marcelo Bielsa a new contract
Former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer believes Marcelo Bielsa is waiting on certain assurances from the Leeds United hierarchy before he signs a new contract.
Mallorca prosper from late Bilbao own-goal
An unfortunate own-goal by Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simon has helped Real Mallorca to a 3-2 La Liga victory.
Edouard Mendy sends 12-word message to Kepa Arrizabalaga ahead of Chelsea vs Palmeiras
Arsenal Players Celebrate Win At Wolves With Fans At Full-Time
Valencia peg back Athletic to leave semi in the balance
Duro's finish in the second half at San Mames leaves the tie firmly in the balance, with Valencia playing the second leg at home at Mestalla on March 2. Athletic's Raul Garcia had given them the lead shortly before half-time but the 23-time winners of the Spanish Cup were unable to hold on for the victory. The winner of the tie will play either Rayo Vallecano or Real Betis in the final in April. Betis defeated Rayo 2-1 at Vallecas in the first leg on Wednesday night. Athletic knocked out Real Madrid in the quarter-finals and to win the cup this season would be particularly special, after they lost two finals in two weeks last year. The first defeat was by Basque rivals Real Sociedad in a postponed final from 2020 before they lost again to Barcelona in the 2021 competition a fortnight later. Athletic are the most successful Copa del Rey club left in the tournament given only Barcelona can better their 23 cup victories. But of the four semi-finalists, Valencia have won it most recently after they beat Barca in 2019, under Marcelino, who is now in charge of Athletic. The home side took the lead in the 37th minute when Garcia held off former Barcelona midfielder Ilaix Moriba at the back post to head in Iker Muniain's bending cross. Valencia's substitute Maxi Gomez was sent off at half-time as a feisty 45 minutes ended with a confrontation between players from both teams. Gomez had yet to play in the game but will now be unavailable for the second leg. There was little between the sides after the restart and Valencia grabbed an equaliser just after the hour-mark as Athletic goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala did well to parry Bryan Gil's finish but the ball fell straight to Duro, who bundled in.
Real Betis hammer Real Sociedad to make Copa del Rey semifinals
Real Betis cruised into the semifinals of the Copa del Rey on Thursday after thrashing Real Sociedad 4-0 to continue their superb season under Manuel Pellegrini. Betis sit third in La Liga with genuine hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League and on this form they will take some stopping in the cup. They join Rayo Vallecano, Valencia and Athletic Bilbao, who stunned Real Madrid, in the semis.