Atletico seek final step to rewrite Madrid derby history Madrid (AFP) – In the dying moments of Diego Simeone’s second Madrid derby as Atletico Madrid coach, a banner was lowered behind the goal his side was defending to display a stinging message: “Wanted: A dignified rival for a decent derby”. Real Madrid’s fans have since got far more than they bargained for as Simeone has transformed … [Read more...]

Rashford faces Euro audition as decision time looms Sunderland (United Kingdom) (AFP) – England manager Roy Hodgson has challenged Marcus Rashford to make his life difficult when the Manchester United sensation auditions for a Euro 2016 place in Friday’s friendly against Australia. Rashford has emerged as a late contender for a seat on the flight to France after a fine breakthrough season with … [Read more...]

Seoul, Shandong reach AFC Champions League quarters Seoul (AFP) – FC Seoul came back from the brink to win a dramatic penalty shoot-out on Wednesday as Hao Junmin’s last-minute thunderbolt also put Shandong Luneng into the AFC Champions League quarter-finals. In a breathless night of action, Go Yo-Han struck in the dying seconds of extra time against Urawa Red Diamonds — the fourth goal of the … [Read more...]

Benitez stays to lead Newcastle’s promotion bid Newcastle (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Rafael Benitez confirmed Wednesday he would stay on as Newcastle United manager in a bid to lead the north-east club’s bid for promotion back to the Premier League. The 56-year-old Spaniard has agreed a new three-year deal after opting against exercising a release clause open to him in the event of relegation that … [Read more...]

Schweinsteiger expects to be fit for Euros Ascona (Switzerland) (AFP) – Bastian Schweinsteiger said on Wednesday he would recover from a knee injury in time to captain Germany at the European Championship, even though it remained unclear when he would return to the pitch. “I’m doing well, I am very confident,” he told journalists at a press conference in the Swiss town of Ascona, where the … [Read more...]

Yankee Stadium is killing New York City FC There are no two ways about it. New York City FC’s meltdown on Sunday against the New York Red Bulls was one of the most embarrassing and least forgivable performances in MLS history. That NYCFC got blanked 7-0 at home in a derby is shocking enough, but the manner of the team’s capitulation only served to compound horrors. The Pigeons conceded four … [Read more...]

Manchester United hold day two of talks with Mourinho London (AFP) – A second day of negotiations to make Jose Mourinho the next manager of Manchester United are taking place Wednesday ahead of an expected announcement that he will take the job this week. The former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager has agreed personal terms on a three-year deal with a likely annual salary of more than £10 million … [Read more...]

Real Madrid stars thriving under Zidane’s free reign Madrid (AFP) – Just five months into his first senior managerial role, Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane is already living up to the unenviable task of matching his credentials as one of the finest players of his generation. Fourteen years on from the sumptuous volley that rippled a rain-soaked net at Hampden Park in Glasgow to hand Real their … [Read more...]

Kane not shaken by Turkey penalty miss 2:02 AM GMT Harry Kane's soaring confidence has not been dented by his penalty miss against Turkey. Kane claimed the Premier League golden boot after netting 25 times for Tottenham last season and has already scored five times in 11 international appearances. He opened the scoring in Sunday's Euro 2016 warm-up against Turkey after just three minutes but, … [Read more...]

Love him or hate him, Mourinho set for United London (AFP) – Jose Mourinho will be faced with a litany of problems once the polarising Portuguese manager finally starts his Manchester United reign later this week. Mourinho could be confirmed as United’s new boss as early as Wednesday after his agent Jorge Mendes met the club’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward for talks in London on Tuesday. … [Read more...]