Europa League | Barcelona held 1-1 by Napoli, Rangers stun Dortmund
The Hindu
After dropping out of the Champions League, Barcelona now faces a difficult task just to qualify for the round of 16 in the Europa League
After dropping out of the Champions League, Barcelona now faces a difficult task just to qualify for the round of 16 in the Europa League.
In its first appearance in the second-tier European competition in nearly two decades, the Catalan club was held 1-1 by Napoli at Camp Nou Stadium on Thursday in the first leg of one of eight playoffs between third-place finishers in the Champions League groups and Europa League group runners-ups.
It is the first time since 2003-04 that Barcelona is not in the knockout stages of the Champions League, a tournament it won five times.
In the other matchups, Scottish club Rangers stunned Borussia Dortmund 4-2 away, Real Betis won 3-2 at Zenit St. Petersburg and Sheriff beat Braga 1-0.
In the playoff matches to reach the last 16 of the inaugural Europa Conference League, PSV Eindhoven, Rapid Vienna, Midtjylland and Slavia Prague won the opening leg.
The second-leg games in both competitions are scheduled for Feb 24.
Ferran Torres salvaged the draw for Barcelona by converting a penalty that was awarded due to Juan Jesus’ handball in the 59th minute. The forward calmly sent goalkeeper Alex Meret the opposite way from the spot.
Indian duo of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy withdraw from Syed Modi International Super 300 badminton tournament, while PV Sindhu aims for third title.
ICC board to meet virtually on November 29 to finalize Champions Trophy schedule in Pakistan amid India-Pakistan tensions.
Jannik Sinner triumphs in tennis, faces doping accusations, and leads Italy to Davis Cup victory.
All-round India proves too good for Kazakhstan in Asia Cup qualifier
At just 13, Vaibhav Suryavanshi's cricket talent lands him a ₹1.1 crore IPL deal, fulfilling a dream.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir leaves squad for personal emergency, to rejoin before second Test against Australia.
Bangladesh batters avoid follow-on against West Indies in Antigua Test, facing 181-run deficit.
Retiring U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, known for her stellar performance, will play final games in London and The Hague.
13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi signs ₹1.10 crore contract with Rajasthan Royals, breaking records with his cricketing prowess.
Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior sidelined with hamstring injury, missing Champions League match against Liverpool, sparking criticism of match schedules.
Tamil Nadu romps to second straight win in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy