Sports
AC Milan Clinches Trofeo Silvio Berlusconi with 3-1 Victory over Monza
AC Milan concluded their preseason campaign on a high note by retaining the Trofeo Silvio Berlusconi, defeating Monza 3-1 in front of a lively crowd at San Siro.
The match began with a touch of fortune for Milan as Alexis Saelemaekers’ deflected rabona gave them the lead in the 11th minute. Daniel Maldini equalized for Monza before the break, but Milan’s substitutes made the difference in the second half. Luka Jovic scored shortly after coming on, and Tijjani Reijnders added a stunning long-range strike to seal the victory.
Paulo Fonseca’s starting lineup included key players like Mike Maignan, Rafael Leao, and Alvaro Morata, alongside new signings Filippo Terracciano, Matteo Gabbia, and Yacine Adli. Despite a slow start, Milan’s pressure paid off with Saelemaekers’ lucky goal, following a clever pass from Davide Calabria and a flick by Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Leao came close to doubling Milan’s lead with a header that went just wide. Pizzignacco made several saves to keep Monza in the game, denying Leao and Calabria.
Monza managed to level the score with a goal from Daniel Maldini, who capitalized on a defensive lapse by Terracciano. Milan had a few more chances, with Maric missing a header and Pereira’s cross nearly converting.
At halftime, Fonseca made wholesale changes, introducing a fresh lineup that included Luka Jovic, who quickly made his mark by scoring from a rebound off Mattia Liberali’s shot.
Tijjani Reijnders then put the game beyond Monza with a spectacular free-kick from 25 yards out, his shot finding the top corner. Milan continued to dominate, with Liberali’s effort forcing another save from the Monza goalkeeper.
The pace of the game slowed towards the end, but Milan’s defense held firm, and Lorenzo Torriani made a crucial save from Birindelli’s late attempt.
With this win, AC Milan ends their preseason on a positive note, having showcased their attacking prowess and depth as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Sports
Novak Djokovic Sets Grand Slam Record with Melbourne Victory
Novak Djokovic made history at the Australian Open, surpassing Roger Federer’s record for the most major singles matches played in tennis history. The 37-year-old Serbian star achieved the milestone with a hard-fought win against qualifier Jaime Faria, triumphing 6-1, 6-7 (4-7), 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the tournament’s third round.
With his 430th Grand Slam singles match, Djokovic now holds the all-time record for the most Grand Slam matches played by any tennis player, male or female. He overtakes Federer, whose last Grand Slam match was at Wimbledon in 2021, solidifying his place in tennis history.
Reflecting on his achievement, Djokovic expressed gratitude and passion for the sport:
“I love this sport. I love competition. I try to give my best every single time. It’s been over 20 years that I’ve been competing in Grand Slams at the highest level. Whether I win or lose, I will always leave my heart out on the court. I’m just blessed to be making another record.”
The victory adds another chapter to Djokovic’s illustrious career, as he continues to push the boundaries of excellence in tennis. With his relentless drive and unmatched consistency, Djokovic remains a dominant force on the court and a source of inspiration to fans around the world.
Sports
Jack Grealish Ends Goal Drought as McAtee’s Hat-Trick Powers Manchester City to FA Cup Rout
Jack Grealish scored his first goal in over a year and James McAtee delivered a stunning second-half hat-trick as Manchester City demolished League Two side Salford City in the FA Cup third round. The 7-0 victory was City’s biggest win since January 2019.
Grealish opened the scoring in the 49th minute with a calm penalty after being fouled, jokingly deferring to usual spot-kick taker Erling Haaland, who was rested on the bench. This marked Grealish’s first goal since December 16, 2023, when he netted against Crystal Palace, ending a prolonged struggle for form.
Twenty minutes later, Grealish passed penalty duties to Belgian winger Jeremy Doku, who confidently converted. Doku, instrumental throughout, set the tone for the dominant performance, helping City capitalize on their first-ever competitive meeting with Salford City, a club owned by Manchester United’s famous “Class of ’92.”
City’s youth players made the most of their opportunities. Divin Mubama, making his debut, tapped in Matheus Nunes’ precise low cross to claim his first senior goal. Nico O’Reilly also opened his City account, firing a low shot into the far corner from Doku’s cut-back.
The star of the match, however, was James McAtee. The England Under-21 midfielder, often overlooked this season, stole the spotlight with a clinical hat-trick. His first came in the 62nd minute, courtesy of another Doku assist. McAtee completed his treble within 19 minutes, with Phil Foden and Jack Grealish providing the setups for his second and third goals, respectively.
With key players rested, Pep Guardiola’s side showed their depth and quality, dominating possession and dismantling a Salford team that struggled to cope with the Premier League giants’ intensity.
Sports
David Moyes Returns as Everton Manager for Second Stint
David Moyes has been reappointed as Everton manager, marking his second tenure at the club. The 61-year-old Scot signed a two-and-a-half-year contract after Sean Dyche was dismissed on Thursday. Everton currently sits 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone, with only three wins from 19 matches this season.
Moyes expressed his excitement about returning to Goodison Park:
“I enjoyed 11 wonderful and successful years at Everton and didn’t hesitate when I was offered the opportunity to rejoin this great club. Now we need Goodison and all Evertonians to play their part in getting behind the players this important season so we can move into our fabulous new stadium as a Premier League team.”
Moyes first managed Everton from 2002 to 2013, during which he transformed the club from relegation candidates to regular top-half finishers. His achievements included:
- Guiding Everton to the FA Cup final in 2009.
- Securing a fourth-place finish in 2004-05, leading to Champions League qualification.
- Developing young talent, including giving Wayne Rooney his professional debut.
- Signing iconic players like Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini.
After leaving Everton to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United in 2013, Moyes managed Real Sociedad, Sunderland, and West Ham United, where he won the Europa Conference League in 2023. Moyes had been out of management since leaving West Ham at the end of the 2022-23 season.
Everton faces significant challenges, but Moyes brings vast experience and a deep understanding of the club’s culture. His goal is to stabilize the team and ensure their place in the Premier League as they prepare to transition to their new stadium.
-
Business4 days ago
US TikTok Users Migrate to RedNote as Ban Deadline Approaches
-
News4 days ago
Signs of Progress as Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations Continue in Qatar
-
News2 days ago
Israel and Hamas Reach Historic Ceasefire and Hostage Release Agreement
-
Sports2 days ago
Novak Djokovic Sets Grand Slam Record with Melbourne Victory
-
Entertainment2 days ago
Linda Nolan, Beloved Singer of The Nolans, Dies at 65
-
Entertainment2 days ago
Drake Files Defamation Lawsuit Against Universal Music Group Over Kendrick Lamar Song