The Sport Matrix: Friday 15 March 2013

Spurs, Chelsea and Newcastle book quarter-final spots

Unlike the Champions League, the three English teams in the Europa League progressed to the competition's quarter-finals.

Emmanuel Adebayor scored the crucial goal for Tottenham who, despite losing 4-1 to Internazionale at White Hart Lane after extra time, progressed on the away goals rule.

Fernando Torres, above, scored and missed a penalty - and was left bloodied after a collision - as Chelsea defeated Steaua Bucharest 3-1 at Stamford Bridge and went through 3-2 on aggregate.

Papiss Cissé fired home a last-minute winner as Newcastle United beat Anzhi Makhachkala 1-0 at St James' Park to ease through.

Lancaster seeking Slam win in Cardiff

England head coach Stuart Lancaster has admitted he would find it an even bigger thrill to win the Six Nations in Wales. Ahead of the deciding match in Cardiff, Lancaster said: "To win a Grand Slam, there's no bigger place to do it than against champions Wales, in Cardiff." MORE

Farrell is ready for Welsh hard knocks

England's fly-half Owen Farrell insists he will be able to cope with being targeted by Wales' back-row tomorrow in Cardiff. Farrell, who returns from injury, said: "I'll expect to face a real physical challenge, but it won't alter how I do things. I'll just focus on doing my role." MORE

Cooper is tipped to be 'the next Ruby'

Sir Des Champs holds strong claims in today's Cheltenham Gold Cup, with Bryan Cooper, 20, in contention to ride after Davy Russell was ruled out. Trainer Tony Martin feels the young jockey deserves a chance. "This is the next Ruby," Martin enthused of Cooper. MORE

McNamara in coma after Festival fall

Jockey JT McNamara was yesterday airlifted to hospital after falling from Galaxy Rock in the Kim Muir Chase. Chief medical officer of the Turf Club in Ireland, Dr Adrian McGoldrick, said: "He has been put in an induced coma and airlifted to the regional spine unit."

Cole and recalled Ferdinand warned

England manager Roy Hodgson left Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Cole in no doubt yesterday that the pair would have to put their feud behind them and ensure there was no "tension" now that Ferdinand has been recalled to the England squad. MORE

Adams asked to help coach U19s

Tony Adams has been asked to help coach the England Under-19 side ahead of their match against Turkey next Thursday. The ex-Arsenal defender will be in the dugout with Noel Blake for the game at Telford United's New Bucks Head Stadium.

Reading players upset after sacking

Reading caretaker manager Eamonn Dolan admitted the players were "on the floor" after Brian McDermott's sacking. Dolan will take charge of the team at Old Trafford tomorrow, having been temporarily promoted from Academy Manager.

Daley set for return to the world stage

Tom Daley will take the first step towards trying to claim a second 10m platform world title when he competes at the World Series in Edinburgh from 19 to 21 April. It will be part of his preparations for July's World Championships in Barcelona.

Opinion: James Lawton

Today invites the most oppressive of questions for every horseman: when will I be a winner again? Fabled trainer Paul Nicholls should know the answer deep in his bones. MORE