🔥 Thriller at Camp Nou
Also: ENG with the 2nd fastest declaration EVER, 2nd Test fo BGT begins today, and 2023 F1 season inches ever closer
17th Feb | 57th Edition
In today’s edition:
Barcelona and United play a frenetic encounter at Nou Camp
England declares on Day 1 of 1st Test
India v Australia 2nd Test kicks off in Delhi today
Packed weekend schedule
Barcelona 2 - 2 Manchester United
Raphinha rescues Barcelona as Rashford stars for United yet again
The two fallen giants of European football are rebuilding their reputations this season.
They meet at this juncture after Barca went out of the Champions League group stage for the second consecutive season, while United's second-placed finish in their Europa League group provided this extra play-off to navigate.
And it was the mercurial Marcus Rashford who was at the center yet again notching up his 22nd goal (joint-most in a season for him) for the Red Devils.
As it happened:
Xavi's men grabbed the opener when Marcos Alonso headed in at the back post from Raphinha's corner, but United responded immediately through the in-form Marcus Rashford as he slipped in a finish at the near post.
They showed their resilience to turn the game around as Rashford's cross was then turned into his own net by Barcelona defender Jules Kounde.
But United was unable to hold on as ex-Leeds winger Raphinha's cross from wide on the right sailed all the way into the net.
Barca, though, almost snatched a late victory when Casemiro's attempted clearance struck his own post, but little separated the sides heading into next Thursday's second leg.
Big 10 days ahead for Manchester United
United face a pivotal week in their quest for success this season; hosting Leicester City in the PL on Sunday, then hosting Barcelona on Thursday before playing Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final the following Sunday as they aim to win their first trophy since the Europa League in 2017.
BAZBALL is exciting and hopefully here to stay
NZ won the toss, and asked ENG to bat, who DECLARED after only 58.2 overs!
England batter Harry Brook has admitted that England's early declaration on the opening day of the pink-ball Test against New Zealand was dictated by the conditions.
Having batted 58.2 overs, England declared their innings at 325/9 in order to put New Zealand under pressure against the new ball under the lights.
The decision was indeed vindicated as veteran James Anderson removed Kane Williamson and Henry Nicholls whereas Ollie Robinson got rid of Tom Latham to leave the hosts reeling at 37/3 by stumps.
Brief Scores: England 325/9 decl. (Harry Brook 89, Ben Duckett 84; Neil Wagner 4-82, Tim Southee 2-71) lead New Zealand 37/3 (Devon Conway 17*; James Anderson 2-10) by 288 runs
Football
Qatari consortium set to formalize bid for full takeover of Manchester United before Friday night deadline
The investors linked with the Qatari royal family are expected to formalize their bid for Manchester United before Friday night’s deadline. Britain’s richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is a boyhood Man United fan, is currently the only confirmed bidder to purchase the club from the Glazer family.
The 10 pm deadline on Friday is a soft one, however, the Qatari bid is expected to be made in time anyway. The bid is expected to be lower than the Glazers’ £ 6 billion asking price but the Qataris are confident a full takeover will be completed.
The consortium is separate from Qatar Sports Investments, which owns Paris Saint-Germain. It’s understood that Nasser al-Khelaifi, president of the French club, will be consulted.
The bid has the support of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of Qatar, who is also said to be a Man United supporter.
FA investigating after objects thrown at Man City's Kevin de Bruyne in win at Arsenal
The Football Association has launched an investigation after Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne had objects thrown at him during their 3-1 win at Arsenal on Wednesday evening.
The midfielder was targeted while he was walking around the pitch after being substituted late on.
Referee Anthony Taylor is believed to have mentioned it in his match report.
Arsenal are studying CCTV footage and say they will impose strict sanctions if those responsible can be identified.
"This is unacceptable and will not be tolerated," added a Gunners spokesperson.
What else?
Tottenham boss Antonio Conte will miss Sunday's Premier League game against West Ham and not return to work until he has made an "entire recovery" from surgery to remove his gallbladder.
Alpine became the latest team and final team to launch their car for the 2023 season. The car will be driven by Esteban Ocon, who is preparing for his third season in Alpine colors, and new teammate Pierre Gasly, who arrived from AlphaTauri over the winter.
Campos driver, Indian Kush Maini, set the fastest time on the third and final day of the pre-season F2 test in Bahrain, ahead of veteran Roy Nissany. The Formula 2 championship begins during the weekend of the Bahrain Grand Prix on Saturday March 4th.
Weekend Schedule
Friday, 17th Feb
06:30 NZ v ENG Day 2 | 1st Test
09:30 IND v AUS Day 1 | 2nd Test
Saturday, 18th Feb
06:30 NZ v ENG Day 3 | 1st Test
09:30 IND v AUS Day 2 | 2nd Test
18:00 Aston Villa v Arsenal
20:30 Chelsea v Southampton
20:30 Nottingham Forest v Manchester City
23:00 Newcastle United v Liverpool
Sunday, 19th Feb
06:30 NZ v ENG Day 4 | 1st Test
09:30 IND v AUS Day 3 | 2nd Test
19:30 Manchester United v Leicester City
22:00 Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United