Barcelona have set a new Spanish football record of 35 games unbeaten in all competitions. Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick as they thrashed nine-man Rayo Vallecano 5-1 win in La Liga on Thursday night. In other games, Real Betis registered a 3-0 win at Espanyol and Granada beat Sporting Gijon 2-0. Barca now lead Atletico Madrid by eight points at the top of the league standings, while Real Madrid are a further four points behind in third with 11 matches remaining.
Cameroon strike early to secure win over Gabon
Cameroon has put aside recent woes to open their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 1-0 victory over neighbours Gabon on Wednesday as Karl Etta Eyong’s early goal secured a much-needed win.
Dubai Capitals sail to playoffs after a six-wicket win over Sharjah Warriorz
Shayan Jahangir and Jordan Cox have registered fifties to help defending champions Dubai Capitals sail into the play-offs with a strong six-wicket win over Sharjah Warriorz at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday.
Stoppage-time comeback gives Burkina Faso victory in opener
Two goals deep in second-half stoppage time saw Burkina Faso snatch a 2-1 victory over 10-man Equatorial Guinea in the opening Group E match at the Africa Cup of Nations finals on Wednesday.
Archer out of Ashes, England drop Pope from Boxing Day test
A side strain ended England fast bowler Jofra Archer's Ashes campaign on Wednesday while the beleaguered tourists dropped batter Ollie Pope for the fourth test against Australia.
Martha Stewart joins Snoop Dogg as Swansea minority co-owner
American businesswoman and television personality Martha Stewart has joined Swansea City as a co-owner, the Welsh football club announced on Tuesday.
