Sports
Chelsea Comeback Falls Short in 2-2 Draw Against Ipswich at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea’s Champions League hopes took a hit on Sunday as they were held to a dramatic 2-2 draw by Ipswich Town at Stamford Bridge, despite mounting a spirited second-half comeback.
The visitors stunned the home crowd with a first-half blitz. Julio Enciso opened the scoring in the 19th minute, converting calmly after a clever pass from Ben Johnson. Just over ten minutes later, Johnson doubled Ipswich’s lead with a powerful header from Enciso’s cross, putting the Blues on the back foot.
Chelsea found a lifeline almost instantly after the break. Within 20 seconds of the restart, Noni Madueke whipped in a cross that Axel Tuanzebe inadvertently diverted into his own net, shifting the momentum in Chelsea’s favour.
Despite the early setback, Ipswich defended resolutely. But substitute Jadon Sancho, greeted with boos as he entered the pitch, silenced critics with a moment of brilliance. In the 79th minute, he curled a superb strike into the top corner and celebrated defiantly by pointing to the name on the back of his shirt.
However, Chelsea couldn’t find a late winner as Ipswich held firm to secure a valuable point. The draw lifts Chelsea to fifth place in the Premier League, but they could be pushed out of the Champions League qualification spots if Newcastle United beat Manchester United later in the day at St James’ Park.
Real Madrid’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has expressed openness to the possibility of being replaced by the club. After the team’s quarter-final exit from the Champions League at the hands of Arsenal, Ancelotti acknowledged that Real Madrid might decide to part ways with him.
Ancelotti attributed the defeat to Arsenal’s strong defensive performance, stating that his team struggled to find space and wasn’t enough to overcome the Gunners. Despite the Champions League exit, Ancelotti remains optimistic about the team’s chances in other competitions, including La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Club World Cup.
Potential replacements for Ancelotti include Xabi Alonso and Jurgen Klopp. Ancelotti expressed gratitude to the club, stating that he would thank them whenever he leaves, regardless of whether his contract is up or not.
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham says the belief within the squad is unshaken as they prepare for a monumental second-leg Champions League comeback against Arsenal on Wednesday night at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Following a 3-0 defeat in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, Madrid face their toughest challenge yet this season. No team in the club’s illustrious Champions League history has ever overturned such a deficit — but Bellingham insists the squad is ready for another legendary European night.
“It was one of the worst results we could possibly imagine,” Bellingham admitted during Tuesday’s press conference. “But for some reason everyone thinks it’s nailed-on we’ll come back, and it’s a nice feeling. It means there’s a lot of trust in the talent, and that we’re at a club like no other — the best in the world.”
The 21-year-old England international said the word remontada — Spanish for comeback — has dominated conversations at the club since the loss in London. “I’ve seen a million videos online. It’s really motivating stuff,” he said. “This is a night made for Real Madrid.”
Bellingham also urged Madridistas to bring their energy to the Bernabéu, saying the players feed off the fans’ passion. “They create an atmosphere that’s infectious. It brings out the best in us,” he added.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti, the most successful coach in the competition’s history with five titles, remained calm and composed ahead of the high-stakes clash.
“I’m focused, with a cool head,” said Ancelotti. “It’s not my first night like this and I hope it won’t be the last. These are the games we live for.”
The Italian tactician called on his players to combine “head, heart and balls” in their approach and signaled the importance of forward Kylian Mbappé, who was sent off in La Liga action against Alaves over the weekend.
“He’s hurt and disappointed, but trained very well yesterday,” Ancelotti noted. “We need him… more than ever. He has to score goals for us tomorrow.”
Madrid, 15-time Champions League winners, will look to write another epic chapter in their storied European history as they attempt to defy the odds against a confident Arsenal side aiming for their first semi-final appearance in over a decade.
Virgil van Dijk scored a crucial late winner as Liverpool defeated West Ham 2-1 at Anfield on Sunday, moving the Reds to within touching distance of the Premier League title.
Luis Diaz had fired Liverpool ahead in the 18th minute, tapping home after Mohamed Salah outmuscled young defender Ollie Scarles and delivered a perfect cross. The assist marked Salah’s 45th goal involvement this season — a new Premier League record for a 38-game campaign.
West Ham, battling relegation, showed resilience and eventually drew level four minutes from time when Andy Robertson mistakenly diverted Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross into his own net following a mix-up with Van Dijk.
However, Liverpool responded instantly. Just three minutes after the equaliser, Van Dijk rose highest to head in Alexis Mac Allister’s corner and restore the lead. The Dutchman celebrated passionately, kissing the badge — a possible sign of his commitment to the club amid reports of a new contract.
The win extends Liverpool’s lead at the top to 13 points, with just six games left to play. They could seal a record-equalling 20th English league title as early as next Sunday, if they win at Leicester and Arsenal lose away to Ipswich.
Despite some recent fatigue in their performances, Liverpool relied on goalkeeper Alisson Becker’s brilliance to stay ahead. The Brazilian denied Mohammed Kudus twice and thwarted Jarrod Bowen in a one-on-one situation, preserving the narrow lead.
West Ham, who now sit 17th in the table, nearly grabbed a dramatic equaliser when Niclas Fullkrug hit the bar deep into stoppage time. But Liverpool held firm, taking another significant step toward securing the title in Arne Slot’s debut season at the helm.
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