Football: Ronaldo announces death of baby son

Cristiano Ronaldo and his partner Georgina Rodriguez announced on Monday that their newborn baby son has died.

Ronaldo revealed in a social media post last October that the couple were expecting twins.

In a post released on the Manchester United forward's Twitter account, they confirmed the birth of a baby girl.

"It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away. It is the greatest pain that any parents can feel," Ronaldo and Rodriguez said in a jointly-signed statement.

"Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness. We would like to thank the doctors and nurses for all their expert care and support.

"We are all devastated at this loss and we kindly ask for privacy at this very difficult time."

The couple, who met during Ronaldo's time at Real Madrid, have a four-year old daughter together, while Ronaldo has three other children.

Your pain is our pain, Cristiano," Manchester United tweeted. "Sending love and strength to you and the family at this time."

Agence France-Presse

Football: Ronaldo hat-trick saves Man Utd as Spurs, Arsenal slump to defeat

MANCHESTER -- Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick as Manchester United claimed a 3-2 win over Norwich on Saturday to take advantage of defeats for Arsenal and Tottenham in the race for a place in next season's Champions League.

Spurs' winning run was brought to an abrupt halt by a 1-0 home defeat by Brighton, while the Gunners were beaten 1-0 at Southampton to slump to a third consecutive loss.

Ronaldo's 50th club hat-trick tempered a revolt among the fanbase at Old Trafford as United move above Arsenal into fifth on goal difference, three points behind Tottenham.

There was unrest among the United fans before the game even began as many did not come into the stadium until the 17th minute to protest against the 17 years of the Glazer family's ownership of the club.

Those late to take their seats missed Ronaldo's first goal of the afternoon as he swept home Anthony Elanga's cross.

The 37-year-old then powered home Alex Telles' corner for his 20th goal of the season despite United's struggles.

However, the Red Devils' defensive problems were laid bare by the bottom-of-the-table Canaries who had scored just 20 goals in their previous 31 league games.

Kieran Dowell halved the arrears in first-half stoppage time before Teemu Pukki levelled seven minutes into the second half.

David de Gea then had to produce a brilliant save to deny Pukki completing the comeback.

United players were then met with chants of "you're not fit to wear the shirt", with Paul Pogba singled out for abuse when he was substituted.

But Ronaldo had the final say when his free-kick flew through the grasp of Tim Krul 14 minutes from time to set up a huge week for United.

Ralf Rangnick's men face a daunting trip to Liverpool on Tuesday before facing Arsenal next weekend.

"Ronaldo has scored three very important goals for us," said De Gea.

"We know we aren't playing very well but we got three points. We should control the game more against Norwich at home."

- North London nightmare -

Brighton halted Tottenham's charge towards the Champions League as Leandro Trossard struck a 90th-minute winner.

But Antonio Conte's men were bailed out by another defeat for Arsenal as they failed to close the gap against a Southampton side that had been thrashed 6-0 by Chelsea last weekend.

Brighton were Arsenal's conquerors last time out to snap a seven-game winless run.

With confidence restored, the Seagulls looked more like their old selves under Graham Potter as they controlled the game and completed a north London double thanks to Trossard's composed finish in the final minute.

"Today we did everything too slow," said Conte. "It was not a good game for us.

"When you can't win, you should not lose and that is a lesson for us today. When it is not your day, you have to pay more attention and not lose."

Arsenal's lack of a top striker proved their downfall at St. Mary's as Fraser Forster produced a string of fine saves to leave Mikel Arteta's men frustrated.

Southampton took their chance when it came as defender Jan Bednarek swept high past Aaron Ramsdale just before half-time.

"We had so much possession, we created situations but the end product was not good," said Arteta.

"You have to score goals to win games. What else can I say? The boys played the way they have to play but in the box is where things are defined."

At the bottom of the table, Watford look set to return to the Championship after Brentford inflicted their 10th successive home league defeat.

Pontus Jansson scored the winner deep into stoppage time for the Bees after Emmanuel Dennis had cancelled out Christian Norgaard's opener.

Second-from-bottom Watford remain six points adrift of safety with six games left to play.

Agence France-Presse

Football: Spurs tighten grip on top-four spot as Arsenal, Man Utd lose

LONDON -- Tottenham thumped Aston Villa 4-0 on Saturday to tighten their grip on fourth spot in the Premier League after Manchester United and Arsenal both slipped up.

Third-placed Chelsea ended a tough week by hammering Southampton 6-0 while Leeds climbed nine points above the relegation zone with a comfortable 3-0 win at Watford.

Six wins in seven league games for free-scoring Spurs have made them firm favorites to qualify for next season's Champions League along with Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea.

Son Heung-min scored a hat-trick for Antonio Conte's men at Villa Park, with Dejan Kulusevski also chipping in as Spurs put their opponents to the sword.

The impressive Harry Kane provided two assists while Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made seven saves in the opening 45 minutes to keep Villa at bay.

The win takes Spurs to 57 points -- three clear of fifth-placed Arsenal and six ahead of West Ham and Manchester United.

"I'm very happy because I have a group of players who want to show me that they will improve in many aspects," Conte told the BBC.

"When you have this you have to be happy to work with them and to try to do something important at the end of the season. Seven games to go and we are showing that we are deserving to stay in the race for a place in the Champions League."

In the early kick-off Frank Lampard's Everton beat misfiring United 1-0 to climb four points above the relegation zone while Arsenal slumped to a 2-1 defeat against Brighton -- their third loss in four games.

The decisive moment at Goodison Park came midway through the first half when Anthony Gordon hit a shot that took a huge deflection off England defender Harry Maguire and wrong-footed David de Gea in the United goal.

Lampard said he was proud of his battling side, who are trying to maintain Everton's record of being ever-present in the English top flight since 1954.

"Beautiful football can come later on," he told BT Sport. "I have ambitions for this club to stay up, play well, but in the position we are in, fighting comes first and foremost."

United's interim manager Ralf Rangnick, who has a two-year contract to remain as a consultant at United beyond this season, was asked whether speculation over the club's next manager was creating a state of limbo.

"I don't think this should be an excuse for anybody," he said, with Ajax boss Erik ten Hag touted as a strong favorite to be the next permanent boss.

"We're Manchester United, we've got a lot of international players."

-Arsenal stumble - 

Arsenal are having a wobble at the wrong time after putting themselves in a strong position to qualify for the Champions League -- they have not played in Europe's elite competition since the 2016/17 season.

Brighton took the lead at the Emirates Stadium when Leandro Trossard turned home a low cross from Enock Mwepu and the Zambian midfielder himself added a second. Martin Odegaard scored a late consolation.

"It has been a difficult week and we've lost some big players, but if you get what you want, not everything is going to be with a blue sky," Mikel Arteta told the BBC. 

"This is our team in the good moments and especially the defeats. There are many games to play but we have to be concerned about that performance, especially first half."

Chelsea suffered a shock 4-1 defeat at the hands of Brentford last week before losing 3-1 against Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

But they restored confidence on Saturday, racing into a 6-0 lead in the 54th minute, with two goals apiece for Mason Mount and Timo Werner.

"The performance changed, the commitment and the discipline," said Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel. "This is how we want to play and we gave an answer finally because you could see it on the scoreboard."

Manchester City and Liverpool go head to head at the Etihad on Sunday in a top-of-the-table clash.

Agence France-Presse

Football: Ronaldo sends Man United into last 16, Chelsea thrash Juventus

Manchester United booked their place in the Champions League last 16 as Cristiano Ronaldo scored in a 2-0 victory at Villarreal on Tuesday, while holders Chelsea also reached the knockout phase by thumping Juventus.

Three-time European champions United went into their first game since sacking Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the weekend needing a win to confirm a top-two finish in Group F.

But they were under massive pressure as defeat would have left their fate out of their own hands.

David de Gea made two crucial saves and United, with Michael Carrick in caretaker charge, took advantage through Ronaldo's 78th-minute lob.

Jadon Sancho, so often a peripheral figure since his big-money move from Borussia Dortmund in the close-season, capped a fine individual display with his first goal for the club late on.

"It's not an important result for me personally. It's an important one for the players and the club," said Carrick.

Ronaldo's goal was the 799th of his career, his 140th in the Champions League and his sixth in the competition this season.

The other qualification spot in the group remains up for grabs after Young Boys and Atalanta played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in Bern.

Late goals from Vincent Sierro and Silvan Hefti gave the Swiss champions a 3-2 lead, but Luis Muriel struck in the 88th minute for the visitors.

Atalanta face a winner-takes-all match against Villarreal in Bergamo next month.

- Chelsea thrash Juve -

Chelsea romped into the last 16 and to the top of Group H with an impressive 4-0 thrashing of Juventus at Stamford Bridge.

Thomas Tuchel's men knew that qualification would be secured if they could avoid defeat or if Zenit Saint Petersburg failed to beat Malmo.

The Blues dominated the early stages and took the lead through young defender Trevoh Chalobah's third goal of the season.

Chelsea's defenders were consistently a menace from set-pieces, and Thiago Silva saw a header saved by Wojciech Szczesny early in the second period.

It was a defender who doubled Chelsea's lead in the 56th minute.

England right-back Reece James hammered a fine volley into the bottom corner to net for the fifth time already this term.

Chelsea grabbed their third goal less than two minutes later, Ruben Loftus-Cheek prodding the ball to Hudson-Odoi, who smashed home from close range.

There was still time for Timo Werner, making his first appearance since an injury layoff, to come off the bench and score in added time.

"We did really well, it is so tough to score goals against Juventus and we created so much," said Tuchel. "Full credit for an amazing performance and a fantastic result."

Zenit drew 1-1 with Malmo to secure a spot in the Europa League knockouts.

- Barcelona stutter -

Barcelona were held to a goalless draw by Benfica at the Camp Nou in Xavi's second game as coach, but remain above the Portuguese side in Group E.

However, the Catalan club will have to beat Bayern Munich in Germany in their final group game to be sure of making the next round.

Benfica host already-eliminated Dynamo Kiev in their last match, trailing Barca by two points.

Barcelona endured a nervy first half which saw Gavi waste the only clear opportunity, blazing over from close range when Memphis Depay was waiting in the middle for a tap-in.

Xavi's men improved after the interval, though, with Frenkie de Jong's header forcing Benfica 'keeper Odysseas Vlachodimos into a flying save.

But it was Benfica who almost took a huge step towards the last 16 deep into injury time, only for Haris Seferovic to shoot wide when he should have scored.

"We played well but there's a bitter aftertaste because we were here to win tonight," Barca defender Ronald Araujo told uefa.com.

"In front of our fans, our people -– and now we simply must go and win in Munich."

The other game in Group E saw Bayern Munich wrap up top spot with a 2-1 victory at Dynamo Kiev.

Robert Lewandowski lit up a snowy evening in the Ukrainian capital by scoring a magnificent overhead kick, with Kingsley Coman also on the scoresheet for the six-time winners.

In Group G, Lille made Salzburg wait to reach the last 16 as Jonathan David scored a first-half winner in a 1-0 victory in France.

All four teams in the group can still go through, after Sevilla saw off Wolfsburg 2-0.

Agence France-Presse

Football: Ronaldo takes United joint top with Chelsea, City win and Spurs slump

MANCHESTER, England - Two goals from returning hero Cristiano Ronaldo sent Manchester United joint top of the Premier League after early season pace-setters Tottenham Hotspur fell to a surprise 3-0 loss at Crystal Palace.

Champions Manchester City made it three wins out of four with a 1-0 win at Leicester City while Arsenal got their first victory of the campaign, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on target in a 1-0 win over Norwich City.

Manchester United and Chelsea lead on 10 points with an identical goal difference after four games with Manchester City a point behind along with Brighton & Hove Albion, who won 1-0 at promoted Brentford, and Spurs.

Chelsea beat Aston Villa 3-0 in the late game to register their 600th victory in the Premier League.

Romelu Lukaku and Mateo Kovacic finally opened their accounts at Stamford Bridge, with the Belgian striker scoring twice, while goalkeeper Edouard Mendy denied Villa numerous times to keep his third clean sheet.

Ronaldo's return to United from Juventus last month brought with it the promise of excitement and goals at Old Trafford and his second debut certainly lived up to the billing.

The 36-year-old fired his side ahead just before the break, pouncing to slot home from close range after Newcastle keeper Freddie Woodman was unable to hold on to a low drive from Mason Greenwood.

After Javier Manquillo brought Newcastle level following the break, Ronaldo produced a trademark strike. He burst into the box as he collected a through ball from Luke Shaw before drilling it through the legs of Woodman.

Bruno Fernandes made it 3-1 with a wonderful strike from 25 metres out and substitute Jesse Lingard completed the rout.

SPURS SEE RED

Ronaldo was not the only celebrating debutant -- Odsonne Edouard scored twice on his debut for Palace as 10-man Tottenham Hotspur fell to a 3-0 loss at Selhurst Park.

Spurs centre back Japhet Tanganga was shown a second yellow card in the 58th minute for a foul on Jordan Ayew, five minutes after the defender was adjudged to have illegally blocked winger Wilfried Zaha.

Matters got worse for the visitors as Palace were awarded a penalty when Ben Davies handled from a Conor Gallagher cross in the 75th minute, and Zaha dispatched the spot-kick past Hugo Lloris.

Palace scored again six minutes from time through Edouard, who slotted home from Zaha's cross 27 seconds after coming on, and the Frenchman completed his dream debut in stoppage time following a slick team move.

Another Portugal international, Bernardo Silva, scored the only goal for Pep Guardiola's City at Leicester.

City striker Ferran Torres had a number of good chances in the first half but Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel was alert.

Jamie Vardy had a goal ruled out for offside four minutes into the second half but it was Manchester City who finally broke the deadlock as Silva pounced on a loose ball in the box to fire home in the 62nd minute.

Leicester piled forward looking for an equaliser and Kelechi Iheanacho and Ademola Lookman both went close, but Brazilian keeper Ederson was quick off his line twice.

BRIGHTON UP TO FOURTH

Brighton's excellent start to the campaign continued with their third victory in four league games.

Leandro Trossard's curler from the edge of the penalty area in the 90th minute secured the three points from Graham Potter's side who are now fourth in the standings.

Arsenal moved off the bottom of the Premier League standings and scored their first goal of the campaign after captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's scrambled 66th-minute effort gave them a 1-0 home win over Norwich.

Mikel Arteta's side produced an improved performance after their opening three defeats but were made to work hard by a rugged Norwich side before Aubameyang, who missed two first-half chances, broke the deadlock.

The Gabonese striker fired wide in the 10th minute and was denied in the 20th by a superb save from visiting goalkeeper Tim Krul before Takehiro Tomiyasu volleyed over the bar for the dominant hosts on the stroke of halftime.

Pepe twice hit the post within a few seconds from a flowing move and the second rebound fell kindly to Aubameyang, who was perfectly positioned to tuck the ball into an empty net. 

(Reporting by Simon Evans, additional reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru, editing by Pritha Sarkar)

-reuters 

Rooney reaches milestone as England tops Scotland; Germany, Portugal also notch friendly wins

England notched up a 3-1 victory over old foes Scotland on Tuesday while world champions Germany and Portugal sealed last-gasp 1-0 wins over Spain and Argentina respectively in friendlies on Tuesday.

Wayne Rooney became England’s third-highest goal-scorer outright as Roy Hodgson’s side defeated the Scots to record a sixth successive victory.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain put England ahead at Celtic Park and Rooney scored either side of a late Andy Robertson strike to chalk up his 45th and 46th international goals on his 101st appearance.

It took the Manchester United striker clear of Jimmy Greaves, with whom he had previously shared third place, and left him three goals shy of Bobby Charlton’s all-time record and two goals behind Gary Lineker.

“I’ve always loved playing for England,” said Rooney. “I’m on a good run of goals and I hope that continues. If that means I break the record then I’ll be delighted.”

Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest duel with Lionel Messi proved a damp squib as the two superstars played for just 45 minutes of their match Old Trafford.

The 27th meeting between Portugal winger Ronaldo and Argentina forward Messi had been billed as a golden opportunity for the world’s two best players to underline their credentials for this year’s Ballon D’or award.

But neither Barcelona’s Messi nor Real Madrid’s Ronaldo were anywhere near their brilliant best, with the latter especially anonymous on just his second return to Old Trafford since his 2009 move from Manchester United.

In the end, Portugal claimed only their second win over Argentina, and their first since 1972, thanks to Raphael Guerreiro’s diving header in stoppage-time.

Casilla howler

Germany’s victory over Spain, the team that preceded them as world champions, came in a game between two experimental sides thanks to a 90th-minute goal by Toni Kroos.

“It was just what we’d been hoping for. It’s been a big year and this was a fine way to close it,” Kroos said after the game.

Spain’s substitute goalkeeper Kiko Casilla was guilty of a howler, fumbling Kroos’s innocuous-looking shot from the edge of the area.

Real Madrid keeper Iker Casillas had started for Spain in his 160th international appearance, but made way for his near namesake Casilla with 20 minutes to go.

In a packed Ernst-Happel Stadium, the Austrian fans thought they had got off to the perfect start against Brazil, but apparent goal-scorer Rubin Okotie was yellow-carded for handling the ball into the Brazilian net.

As it was, Brazil ended a disappointing year with a 2-1 win over Austria, Paris Saint-Germain centre-back David Luiz opening the scoring for the visitors before Aleksandar Dragovic equalised from the penalty spot, only for Roberto Firminio to snatch the Brazilian winner seven minutes form time.

This result won’t make up for Brazil’s humiliating 7-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to eventual champions Germany on home soil in July, but will at least send the Selecao into the new year with a more positive vibe.

It was their sixth straight win since the end of the World Cup but the first goal they had conceded under coach Dunga, who took over from Luis Felipe Scolari after the global bonanza.

Dunga was delighted to see his gamble on new face Firmino paying off.

“When I picked the squad and people asked me about Firmino I said he has goals in him,” he said.

In Genoa, a virtual second-choice Italy side labored to a narrow 1-0 win over Albania.

The winning goal even had a touch of fortune about it as Hamdi Salihi diverted Stefano Okaka’s shot past goalkeeper Etrit Berisha with seven minutes left.

On his debut, Okaka, a second-half substitute for Sebastian Giovinco, was a rare bright spark for Italy.

For Albania, it was a case of so near and yet so far, just a few days after holding France to a 1-1 draw.

France meanwhile notched up a 1-0 victory over Sweden thanks to an 84th-minute goal from Raphael Varane, and Ireland beat the United States 4-1 in further friendly action.

Two goals from Robbie Brady and one each from Anthony Pilkington and James McClean helped the Irish to victory, with Max Diskerud grabbing the Americans’ sole goal.

source: interaksyon.com

Manchester United moves closer to Champions League knockout phase after win over Real Sociedad

MANCHESTER – Manchester United ground out a tight 1-0 win over Real Sociedad at Old Trafford on Wednesday to move closer to a place in the Champions League knockout phase.

The decisive goal in the first ever meeting between the teams came within moments of kick-off, Inigo Martinez scoring an own goal after the excellent Wayne Rooney had struck the post.

Both sides hit the woodwork thereafter, Real Sociedad on two occasions, but unlike in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Southampton in the Premier League, United were spared the pain of shipping a late equalizer.

“I thought we played well tonight. I thought we created opportunities,” said United manager David Moyes.

“But while it was 1-0, I still had feelings of Saturday left inside me and while it was 1-0, you know you can always lose a goal from a corner kick or a free-kick.

“But it wouldn’t have been right if we hadn’t taken all three points tonight.”

Victory, coupled with Bayer Leverkusen’s success against Shakhtar Donetsk, leaves United a point above the German side at the top of Group A ahead of their return fixture against La Real on November 5.

“It makes life difficult when you go 1-0 down so early on,” said visiting coach Jagoba Arrasate, whose side have lost their first three games.

“You have to say it’s a fair result.”

Amid domestic shortcomings, the win also eased some of the pressure on Moyes, whose storied predecessor, Alex Ferguson, was once again in attendance, a day after launching his new autobiography.

With Robin van Persie carrying minor toe and groin injuries, Javier Hernandez was handed a start up front for United, while La Real recalled captain Xabi Prieto following a spell out with hamstring trouble.

United were trialling a new ‘singing section’ in the East Stand and the 1,500 fans in that area were given something to sing about within only 69 seconds of kick-off.

Rooney left three defenders in his wake with an uncharacteristic jinking run on the left-hand edge of the penalty area and although his shot hit the post, Martinez inadvertently shanked the rebound into his own net.

Rooney was one of several players criticized in Ferguson’s book, with the Scot repeating his allegation — contested by Rooney — that the striker asked to leave the club in May, but he was at the heart of every United attack.

He had a volley saved by Claudio Bravo and then volleyed acrobatically over the bar from an Antonio Valencia cross, while Hernandez saw a header disallowed for offside.

The visitors began to threaten on the break, however, and after David de Gea tipped a Haris Seferovic shot over, Antoine Griezmann almost silenced the stadium with a free-kick that bounced back off the left-hand upright.

The scares continued early in the second half, with Jonny Evans slicing a cross from Seferovic inches over his own bar in the 51st minute.

Bravo had to produce a sharp save to block a Phil Jones header from point-blank range, but in response, Alberto de la Bella almost embarrassed De Gea with a cross-shot from close to the left-hand touchline that hit the near post.

Rafael ceded his place to Chris Smalling with half an hour to play, apparently due to injury, but gradually United began to reassert control.

Valencia and Rooney each shot straight at Bravo, before the latter produced a piercing through ball for the former, whose low effort came back off the foot of the left-hand post.

Only a smart block by Carlos Martinez prevented Shinji Kagawa from tucking away a pull-back from Valencia, before Rooney blazed a half-volley over from just inside the box.

Substitute Ruben Pardo served a reminder of the visitors’ threat by bending a free-kick a couple of feet wide.

Bravo had to field a curler from Rooney and then rush out to thwart substitute Ashley Young, but although United could not put the game to bed, on this occasion they did not pay the price.

source: interaksyon.com

Epson Is Manchester United Partner

MANILA, Philippines — Global imaging and innovation leader Epson has agreed to an additional three-year contract with Manchester United as the club’s Official Office Equipment Supplier.

Having already benefitted from both increased customer interaction and engagement, as well as enhanced global brand awareness, Epson sees the relationship as a key initiative in enhancing its global visibility and business growth.

The sponsorship renewal runs through to the end of season 2014/15, and Epson will continue to benefit from stadium advertising rights and hospitality while supplying Manchester United with core office and front-of-house printing and imaging equipment.

Epson is proud of the synergies between the two historic organizations and continuation of the partnership is a reflection of a shared commitment to performance and innovation.

Epson General Manager of Global Communications, Ian Cameron, commented: “We are delighted to have concluded this new agreement.

This is an exciting partnership and we see it as an opportunity to strengthen connections with our customers around the world, particularly in emerging markets.”

In addition to contractual rights such as stadium advertising at Old Trafford, the agreement sees Epson continue to supply Manchester United with its award-winning office products. MUTV has benefited from state of the art, ultra-short throw Epson projectors, allowing for projected images of the stadium to be used as a studio backdrop, instead of having to light the actual stadium for filming.

Projected installations in the players’ gym make training more engaging, while Epson printers produce all match day information, including team sheets, and Epson photo printers are used to produce all official photography.

Manchester United’s Commercial Director, Richard Arnold, comments: “We are delighted to continue the relationship with Epson and to further develop the shared benefits it brings.

“Like Manchester United, Epson is a global brand and its innovation in new technologies keeps it at the forefront of its industry.”

“Recently Epson celebrated our record 19th league title with our fans by taking the Epson Champ19ns Experience to Beijing, Shanghai, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore.

Over 20,000 fans visited the museum exhibition covering the history of the 19 titles, culminating in a state of the art 3D Epson projection of the current squad.”

“They have shown great creativity and enthusiasm in their marketing work with the club and their state-of-the-art equipment has been fully integrated in the day to day running of Manchester United and we are pleased to be associated with the brand.”

source: mb.com.ph