Thursday Morning Sports Update

Thursday, 22 January 2026 08:34

By Emma O'Connor

Keeping you up to date on soccer, rugby, tennis, golf and racing.

SOCCER

Liverpool have put themselves in a strong position to finish in the Champions League top eight with a 3-nil win at Marseille.

Newcastle got past Dutch side PSV Eindhoven by the same score to at least secure a play-off spot.

Chelsea were narrow 1-nil winners over Pafos to remain on course for automatic qualification.

Aston Villa are in Turkey to face Fenerbahce this evening, looking to take a step closer to qualifying in the top eight of the Europa League.

Nottingham Forest go to Portuguese side Braga, knowing two wins would pretty much guarantee a last-16 spot

Celtic have work to do to progress going into their game in Italy against Bologna.

RUGBY

Hugo Keenan says he's 'hopeful' that he'll be fit for Ireland's Six Nations opener at France next month.

The Leinster full-back hasn't played since having hop surgery at the end of the last summer's Lions tour of Australia.

Keenan was named in Ireland's Six Nations squad yesterday and he says he's now back training fully ahead of the tournament.

TENNIS

Novak Djokovic has eased into round three at the Australian Open tennis.

The ten-time winner has beaten Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli in straight sets in Melbourne.

Djokovic is hoping to land a record 25th Grand Slam title.

GOLF

Shane Lowry is one-under-par after 11 holes of his opening round at golf's Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

He's four shots behind leader Mikael Lindberg of Sweden.

Rory McIlroy's one-over through 12, while Tom McKibbin and Padraig Harrington are about to tee off.

RACING

It's the biggest day of the season at Gowran Park with the Thyestes Handicap Chase up for grabs.

The JP McManus-owned Better Times Ahead is the favourite ahead of the Grade Three contest, having already registered two victories this season.

Paul Townend will ride Willie Mullins' leading chance Captain Cody.

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