SPORTS

Madrid, Spain | AFP | Karim Benzema shot Real Madrid to within two points of La Liga leaders Barcelona with the winner in a scrappy 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano, while countryman Antoine Griezmann fired a brace in a 3-2 win over Real Valladolid to take Atletico Madrid level with …

Johannesburg, South Africa | AFP | Former winners Orlando Pirates of South Africa were left fighting for CAF Champions League survival after being held to a scoreless draw at home by minnows African Stars of Namibia on Saturday. The clubs meet again next Saturday in the second leg of the …

Milan, Italy | AFP | Cristiano Ronaldo scored from the spot as unbeaten Italian champions Juventus saw off city rivals Torino 1-0 to hammer home their domination in Serie A on Saturday. Juventus travelled to the Stadio Olimpico after their year-long unbeaten record away from home ended with a shock …

London, United Kingdom | AFP | Tottenham should seek inspiration from an unlikely run to the last 16 of the Champions League to pose a Premier League title challenge, believes Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino. Despite the midweek exertions of drawing 1-1 away to Barcelona to progress in Europe, Spurs closed …

London, United Kingdom | AFP | Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri is likely to assess the attacking talent on offer in the January transfer window after Alvaro Morata suffered an injury this week. The Spanish striker was forced out of the Europa League draw at Hungarian club Vidi just before half-time …

Berlin, Germany | AFP | Thomas Mueller had a frustrating time in front of goal in his 300th Bundesliga game, but Bayern continued their run of form with a 4-0 win at Hanover on Saturday. Joshua Kimmich’s second-minute volley from an awkward-looking flick from Thomas Mueller gave the Bavarians an …

Madrid, Spain | AFP | Antoine Griezmann dragged Atletico Madrid level with Barcelona at the top of La Liga as he scored twice and created another in a 3-2 win at Valladolid. The victory left Diego Simeone’s side second in La Liga but they joined Barca, who travel to Levante …

Cairo, Egypt | AFP | The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations will take place in either Egypt or South Africa, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed on Saturday. They were the only two countries to announce their canditature publicly before the list closed Friday midnight. Cameroon had originally beaten …

London, United Kingdom | AFP | Christian Eriksen came off the bench to score the stoppage-time goal that earned Mauricio Pochettino his 100th Premier League victory as Tottenham manager in a hard fought 1-0 win over Burnley. The struggling Clarets had been seconds away from leaving Wembley with a precious …

Manchester, United Kingdom | AFP | Manchester City laid down the gauntlet to Liverpool by leapfrogging their title rivals back to the top of the Premier League with a 3-1 win over Everton at the Etihad on Saturday. Gabriel Jesus enjoyed a welcome return to form by scoring his first …