Atletico fightback against Rayo Vallecano thanks to Alvarez's hat-trick
Julian Alvarez scored twice in eight minutes to complete his hat-trick and hand Atletico Madrid a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory in LaLiga over Rayo Vallecano at the Metropolitano Stadium on Wednesday, Reuters reported.
The Argentine striker's heroics salvaged what looked like another frustrating evening for Diego Simeone's struggling side, who had surrendered the lead before Alvarez's spectacular 88th-minute winner from the edge of the box found the top-right corner.
Atletico dominated early and took the lead through Alvarez's 15th-minute volley from a Marcos Llorente cross that found him ghosting in behind the defence at the far post, according to Reuters.
Lionel Messi's two goals lead Miami to playoff-clinching win
Lionel Messi scored his MLS-leading 23rd and 24th goals and added his 13th assist to power visiting Inter Miami to a 4-0 victory over New York City FC on Wednesday night, clinching an MLS Cup Playoff spot, Reuters reported.
Luis Suarez added his seventh goal late from the penalty spot in his return from a three-match suspension as Miami (16-6-7, 55 points) moved above NYCFC (16-10-5, 53 points) and Charlotte into third in the Eastern Conference.
Baltasar Rodriguez added his second goal for the Herons, who are now five points back of Philadelphia, the East and Supporters' Shield leader, with two matches in hand, according to Reuters.
Egypt’s Pyramids beat Al-Ahli to secure African-Asian-Pacific Cup title
Pyramids forward Fiston Mayele scored a hat-trick to lead his side to the African-Asian-Pacific Cup title, following a 3-1 win over AFC Champions League winners Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, Reuters reported.
The African champions will play in the Challenger Cup against the winner of the match between Mexico's Cruz Azul and the CONMEBOL champions on December 13, for a place in the Intercontinental Cup final against European champions Paris St Germain four days later.
Mayele opened the scoring for the Egyptian side in the 21st minute, and the goal stood after a VAR review, according to Reuters.
De Zerbi savours win over PSG but says Marseille must focus on next game
Olympique de Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi described his side's 1-0 win over Paris St Germain on Monday as one of the best days since his arrival at the club, but said they must keep building momentum if they are to become a great team, Reuters reported.
Nayef Aguerd's early header proved decisive at the Stade Velodrome as Marseille secured their first home league win over their bitter rivals since 2011.
PSG claimed their fourth straight title last season and a record-extending 13th overall, while Marseille finished as runners-up, according to Reuters.
