The Sport Matrix: Tuesday 12 February 2013

Liverpool pay the penalty as West Brom steal win

Goals from Gareth McAuley and substitute Romelu Lukaku gave West Bromwich Albion a 2-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield last night, after Steven Gerrard, right, missed a penalty with the scores level.

Defender McAuley stunned Anfield as he rose to head in a Chris Brunt corner against the run of play nine minutes from time. And the victory was secured when substitute Lukaku held off several Liverpool defenders to score past Pepe Reina. MORE

Ligety claims his second gold medal

American Ted Ligety won the men's super combined for his second gold medal of the alpine skiing world championships, clinching victory in a combined time of 2min 56.96sec. Two-time defending title holder Aksel Lund Svindal failed to complete the course

United urged to crowd out Ronaldo

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believes Cristiano Ronaldo must be double-teamed in tomorrow night's Champions League last-16 first leg tie at the Bernabeu, if United are to have the best chance of progressing to the quarter-finals of the competition. MORE

Olympic sports at risk of being axed

The modern pentathlon is likely to be among several sports at risk of being dropped from future Olympics. Taekwondo, wrestling, badminton and table tennis are also thought to be fighting for survival for 2020, with a decision due to be made by the IOC today.

Winless France to bring in fresh faces

Winger Vincent Clerc has been recalled by France for their Six Nations game against England in 11 days' time. Uncapped flanker Antonie Claassen, lock Christophe Samson, flanker Yannick Nyanga and prop Thomas Domingo have also been called up.

Lennon sends out warning to Juve

Neil Lennon believes his Celtic side have been underestimated so far in the Champions League, as he prepares his side for their last-16, first-leg tie against Juventus at Celtic Park. "We've got plenty of skilful, technical players," he said. MORE

Wiggins comes last in first Oman stage

Bradley Wiggins was classified as finishing last in the opening stage of the Tour of Oman, with Team Sky choosing to focus on Chris Froome. Wiggins was delayed by a crash 2km from the finish line yesterday. MORE

Salford's Fages 'stopped breathing'

Salford City Reds' Theo Fages stopped breathing after a tackle in Saturday's 40-6 loss against Catalan Dragons, according to assistant coach Sean Long. Dragons prop Julian Bousquet was sent off for the third-minute challenge on the Frenchman.

Nadal: Knee still a cause for concern

After losing in the Chile Open final on Sunday in his first tournament in seven months to world No 73 Horacio Zaballos, Rafael Nadal admitted that he is still dealing with his troublesome knee. "It is still bothering me," said the world No 5. MORE

Mears retires with heart abnormality

Former England hooker Lee Mears has retired from rugby because of a heart problem. The 33-year-old has spent 16 years with Bath, and has been capped 42 times by England. Mears was advised to quit after an abnormality was detected on a cardiac screening. MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

Roberto Mancini whined that he had been miserably supported in the summer and because of this, his defence of the title and hopes in the Champions League had been virtually destroyed. MORE