The Sports Matrix: Thursday 3 November 2011

Comfortable win takes United top

Manchester United moved to top of Group C with a routine 2-0 victory over Otelul Galati at Old Trafford. Antonio Valencia slid in to open the scoring from close range after just eight minutes before a deflected Wayne Rooney effort confirmed the points. MORE

Cardiff victory started with a Kiss

Cardiff moved into the play-off positions with a 3-0 victory at Derby. Filip Kiss’s close-range finish on 20 minutes preceded second-half goals from Peter Whittingham and a Kevin Kilbane’s own goal as an injury-hit Derby continued their poor run. MORE

Butt was ‘first to propose spot-fix’

A British agent convicted of corruption with three Pakistan cricketers has claimed Salman Butt made the first proposal of spot-fixing. Mazhar Majeed’s defence said their client was the “arranger not the corrupter”. MORE

Ton-up for Ronaldo as Real coast home

Cristiano Ronaldo reached 100 goals for Real Madrid as the Spanish side won 2-0 at Lyons to seal qualification for the round of 16. The Portuguese forward scored with a free-kick and a penalty to reach his century in just 105 games. MORE

Shelvey hits treble in Blackpool romp

Jonjo Shelvey scored a hat-trick as Blackpool stormed back to winning ways with a 5-0 win at Leeds. Lomana LuaLua opened the scoring on his first start, before two Shelvey goals made it three before the interval. Both strikers scored again after the break. MORE

Redknapp has heart surgery

Harry Redknapp is not expected to feature on the touchline during Tottenham’s match at Fulham on Sunday after undergoing successful heart surgery this week. Assistant Kevin Bond and coach Joe Jordan will lead the team at Rubin Kazan tonight. MORE

Edwards departs from Wasps post

Shaun Edwards has left his role as head coach at Wasps after 10 years at the London club. His departure comes amid reports he is being considered as a future England manager as doubts persist over the future of Martin Johnson. MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

David Silva must be the purist’s choice as player of the year. On his return to native soil, it was though he was hell-bent on showing his countrymen how much poise and confidence he has accumulated in his English adventure. MORE

City avoid hard day’s night against Yellow Submarine

Two goals from Yaya Touré inspired Manchester City to a 3-0 victory at Villarreal as Roberto Mancini’s side moved into the qualification places in Group A. City, who also beat the Spanish side at the Etihad Stadium two weeks ago, went ahead after half an hour when Touré curled the ball round Diego Lopez inside the area. Mario Balotelli was then brought down for a penalty in injury time which the Italian converted for his seventh goal in as many matches. Villarreal showed little in response after the break and Touré again displayed fine footwork to waltz through the defence and secure the win. Mancini and City next travel to Napoli in three weeks’ time, where a victory would secure qualification. MORE

Capello includes Terry in squad

Fabio Capello has named John Terry in his provisional squad for friendlies with Spain and Sweden this month, despite ongoing investigations into alleged racist remarks he made toward Anton Ferdinand. Capello will hold further talks with the FA. MORE

Thomas stripped of all RFU roles

Thomas was yesterday stripped of all his Rugby Football Union roles, although questions remain over several key areas across the governing body. The announcement of a new permanent executive is due next month. MORE