Sports
FA Cup: Port Vale shock Sunderland, Southampton slam Fulham
Sunderland suffered an embarrassing FA Cup fifth-round exit against third-tier strugglers Port Vale, while Championship side Southampton upset Fulham on Sunday.
Sunderland have enjoyed an impressive first season back in the Premier League, but this was a dismal defeat for Regis Le Bris’s side.
Ben Waine, a boyhood fan of Sunderland’s arch rivals Newcastle, capitalised on poor marking to head the 28th-minute winner, sending Port Vale into the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954.
Jon Brady’s side appear destined for relegation, but they beat second-tier Bristol City in the fourth round and produced an even more remarkable performance to make a mockery of the 56-place gap between them and Sunderland.
The giant-killing will delight their most famous fan, pop star Robbie Williams, who grew up near their Vale Park stadium in Burslem and is now the club’s president.
It was also a memorable moment for Brady, a 50-year-old Australian who replaced the sacked Darren Moore in January and has spent his managerial career in the shadows with Brackley and Northampton.
“I’m trying to let it sink in at the moment. It was tremendous from the boys; we had to suffer at times,” Brady said.
“I couldn’t believe we were in the last 16, I told my kids we were in the last 32 by mistake.
“It’s nice to create history, isn’t it!”
Le Bris said: “I don’t think we were complacent. We went strong with the ambition to win, with the knowledge that it was a tough challenge. Full credit to them.”
‘You see how much it means’
At Craven Cottage, Ross Stewart’s ice-cool penalty in stoppage-time sealed Southampton’s 1-0 upset win.
It was a bitter loss for Fulham manager Marco Silva, who paid the price for a selection gamble that backfired.
Silva made nine changes following a disappointing 1-0 defeat against West Ham in the Premier League earlier this week, but his switches failed to produce the desired result.
Southampton won it in the first minute of stoppage-time when Finn Azaz was fouled by Fulham defender Joachim Andersen and Stewart drilled his spot-kick past Benjamin Lecomte.
Relegated from the Premier League last season, they are through to the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2022.
Southampton’s success served as a fitting tribute to the greatest day in the club’s history.
Their players wore a yellow commemorative kit to mark 50 years since they wore the same shirts when Bobby Stokes sealed second-tier Southampton’s shock 1976 FA Cup final win against Manchester United at Wembley.
Southampton’s current crop still have a way to go to emulate the achievement of Lawrie McMenemy’s men.
But Tonda Eckert’s side are unbeaten in 10 games in all competitions as they chase FA Cup glory and a place in the Championship play-offs.
“You see how much it means to the club,” Eckert said. “You can definitely say we feel the importance of it.”
Premier League strugglers Leeds beat second-tier Norwich 3-0 to reach their first FA Cup quarter-final since 2003.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke twice led Norwich to promotion to the Premier League before being sacked in 2021.
Prioritising his fight to avoid relegation, Farke’s decision to make nine changes paid off against his former club.
Chasing a first appearance in the final since 1973, Leeds went in front in the 32nd minute at Elland Road.
Sean Longstaff scored for the first time since September with a clinical finish from inside the area.
Gabriel Gudmundsson slotted home in the 43rd minute and Joel Piroe bagged Leeds’s third in the 85th minute.
Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool booked their quarter-final places on Friday and Saturday.
AFP
Arsenal drew 1-1 at Atletico Madrid on Wednesday in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final as Julian Alvarez’s penalty cancelled out a spot-kick scored by Viktor Gyokeres.
Premier League leaders Arsenal struck first when Gyokeres won and converted a penalty just before half-time, but Alvarez levelled from the spot on 56 minutes after a handball by Ben White.
AFP
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) produced a dramatic display to defeat Bayern Munich 5-4 in a pulsating UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg encounter on Tuesday night, in one of the most thrilling matches of the season.
The high-octane clash saw both sides exchange goals in a contest filled with momentum swings, VAR drama and moments of individual brilliance, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of the return leg.
Bayern struck first through Harry Kane, who calmly converted from the penalty spot in the 17th minute to give the German side an early lead.
However, PSG responded swiftly, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia levelling matters with a composed finish before João Neves headed the hosts in front from a well-delivered corner.
The visitors fought back again, as Michael Olise unleashed a stunning strike from distance to restore parity, ensuring the first half ended in dramatic fashion.
PSG regained the advantage just before the break when Ousmane Dembélé converted from the penalty spot following a VAR review, sending the home side into the interval with a 3-2 lead.
The second half continued in the same frenetic fashion. PSG extended their lead through Kvaratskhelia and later Dembélé, who struck again to make it 5-2, appearing to put the game beyond Bayern’s reach.
But the Bundesliga giants mounted a spirited comeback. Defender Dayot Upamecano rose highest to head home from a set-piece, before late pressure saw Bayern reduce the deficit further, setting up a tense finish in the closing minutes.
Despite the late surge, PSG held on to secure a narrow 5-4 victory in a match that showcased attacking flair and defensive vulnerabilities from both sides.
The encounter was also marked by several contentious moments, including multiple VAR checks, penalty appeals and tactical substitutions, reflecting the intensity and stakes of a Champions League semi-final.
Real Madrid are reportedly assessing their managerial future as speculation grows over a possible return for José Mourinho, who is said to be open to a second spell at the club.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano on X on Tuesday, Mourinho has indicated to people close to him that he would welcome the opportunity to return to Madrid, viewing it as a chance for a “second chapter” at the Santiago Bernabéu.
“Real Madrid are now informed about José Mourinho’s desire to return. Mourinho has made it clear to people close to him that he would like to return and have a second chance at the club. Real Madrid will decide on the new manager soon,” Romano posted on X.
The Portuguese coach previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, during which he won La Liga and the Copa del Rey while restoring the club’s competitiveness in European competition.
Real Madrid are understood to be reviewing their long-term coaching plans, with a decision on the club’s next managerial direction expected soon. While no official announcement has been made, internal discussions are believed to be ongoing.
Romano had reported that the Madrid president, Florentino Pérez, will be personally deciding on the Real Madrid manager, adding that he is going to take control of the process.
Mourinho’s name has re-emerged due to his continued presence among Europe’s most experienced managers.
The Spanish giants are expected to clarify their managerial situation in the near future as planning continues for the upcoming seasons.
For now, Mourinho remains one of the names linked with the role as speculation around the Bernabéu continues.
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