The big news: Messi, Suarez score in win
Barcelona remained in hot pursuit of table toppers Real Madrid as they beat Sevilla 2-1 in the La Liga on Sunday. Luis Suarez scored the winner as he converted a pass from Lionel Messi in the 61st minute. This was Suarez’s 95th goal in 112 Barcelona games. Vitolo gave Sevilla the lead when he slotted home in the 15th minute to stun Barcelona. However, Messi equalised just before halftime to make it 1-1. Barcelona now have 25 points from 11 games, just two behind Real.
The defending champions will be mighty pleased with their performance after their recent 3-1 loss to Manchester City in the Champions League.
Other top stories
- Robin van Persie seemed to have suffered a serious eye injury, after he was carried off the pitch bleeding during Fenerbahce’s 3-1 win against Akhisar on Sunday. However, the club has said that the former Arsenal and Manchester United player is fine and there is nothing to worry about. "He received a blow to the eye and suffered a torn eyelid and bleeding," said club doctor Burak Kunduraciogl.
- Gareth Bale scored a brace as Real Madrid signed off for the international break with a 3-0 victory over Leganes. Alvaro Morata added the third after the interval as Real remained on top of the table with 27 points.
- Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has committed his future to the club by agreeing to a new contract extension that will see him through till June 2021. Ronaldo’s current deal ends in June 2018, but the Portuguese forward will sign a new contract on Monday that will end when he is 36.
- England’s Jack Wilshere and Harry Kane have been recalled to the national team for the World Cup qualifier against Scotland and the friendly against Spain. Manchester United's Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw are not in the squad as the duo were dropped owing to lack of fitness. England face Scotland on Friday at the Wembley Stadium and then play Spain the following Tuesday.
- Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard might end his football career after his club LA Galaxy were knocked out of the Major League Soccer play-offs. Galaxy were knocked out via penalties by Colorado Rapids in the second leg of the semi-final. Gerrard might go back to Liverpool and join Jurgen Klopp in a coaching role, reported The Guardian.
- The North London derby saw Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur share the honours in a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. Tottenham’s Kevin Wimmer headed into his own goal to put the Gunners ahead in the first half. Harry Kane scored from the spot in the second to share the spoils.
- FC Pune City held off Atletico de Kolkata to record a 2-1 victory at the Balewadi Stadium in Pune on Sunday. Kolkata would have gone to the top of the table had they won, but it was Pune who walked away with the win, with Eduardo Ferreira and Anibal Zudro getting on the scoresheet.
- Liverpool thrashed Watford 6-1 on Sunday to go a point clear of Chelsea at the top of the Premier League table. Jurgen Klopp's men were at their best as they steamrolled Watford at Anfield. Liverpool scored three goals in each half and took the top spot for the first time since May 6, 2014.