Valverde hat-trick puts Real Madrid in command against Manchester City
Federico Valverde struck the first hat-trick of his career as Real Madrid swept aside Manchester City 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday, leaving the English side with a daunting task ahead, Reuters reported.
Pep Guardiola's City team began brightly at the Santiago Bernabeu, but were caught out by Madrid's pace on the break.
Thibaut Courtois released Valverde down the right, who rounded Gianluigi Donnarumma to open the scoring in the 20th minute and seven minutes later Vinicius Jr fed Valverde, who beat the offside trap and drilled home, according to Reuters.
Iran cannot participate in World Cup, minister says
Iran cannot participate in the 2026 World Cup after co-host the U.S. launched airstrikes alongside Israel, Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said on Wednesday, Reuters reported.
The attacks killed the Islamic Republic's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali ‌Khamenei and triggered a region-wide conflict.
"Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup," the minister told state television, according to Reuters.
Australia grants asylum to 2 more members of Iranian women’s football team
Australia has confirmed that two more members of the Iranian women’s football team have received humanitarian visas, after five players were earlier ‌granted asylum over concerns for their safety should they return to Iran, following the team failing to sing their national anthem before a recent match, Aljazeera reported.
A player and a member of the team’s support staff decided to stay in Australia after seeking asylum, Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke told reporters on Wednesday.
The pair has now joined five other team members granted humanitarian visas on Tuesday, Burke told reporters, according to Aljazeera.
Heartbreak for Newcastle as Yamal's late penalty rescues draw for Barca
Barcelona's Lamine Yamal struck from the penalty spot with the final kick of the game to salvage a 1-1 draw with Newcastle United in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Tuesday, cancelling out a late strike from Harvey Barnes, Reuters reported.
Newcastle appeared set to take a slender advantage into the second leg after Barnes scored in the 86th minute when he volleyed home Jacob Murphy's cross.
But elation for the home fans turned to heartbreak when Malick Thiaw brought Dani Olmo down in the box in the fourth minute of stoppage time. The 18-year-old Yamal, who had been quiet all night, fired the penalty into the bottom corner as goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale dove the wrong way, according to Reuters.
