Ajdin Hrustic netted bottom-placed Heracles’ opening goal in a crucial 2-1 win over Fortuna Sittard in the Dutch Eredivisie on Sunday.
Hrustic flashed a low ball across goal early, which slightly evaded Lequincio Zeefuik, before the Socceroo broke the deadlock with a fine goal.
The Australian cushioned down Djevencio Van der Kust’s lofted diagonal pass into the box, before instinctively volleying with power on his left beyond the keeper.
Hrustic was replaced in the 84th minute as Heracles claimed a vital three points to move off the foot of the table and into 16th.
Jordan Bos played the full game at left-back in Feyenoord’s 3-0 defeat away to leaders PSV Eindhoven.
Max Balard started and played 83 minutes in NAC Breda’s 2-2 draw with Twente.
Nestory Irankunda was sent off in England’s Championship on Saturday after his frustration boiled over and he pushed two opponents.
Irankunda was red carded in the 92nd minute of Watford’s 2-0 home loss to Swansea City, after coming on in the 66th minute.
The Socceroo initially fought for the ball in midfield before it unluckily was booted into him by Liam Cullen and out for a Swansea throw.
Irankunda reacted to that, and potentially some words from Cullen, by shoving him, before Josh Tymon defended his teammate, leading to a firmer push from the Australian to Tymon’s upper chest, prompting a red card.
“I take full responsibility for my reaction,” Irankunda wrote on Instagram. “I also want to apologise to my teammates, the staff, the fans and the club.
“What happened does not reflect who I am or the values I stand for. Emotions can run high, but nothing justifies such behaviour. I’ll make sure it never happens again.”
Elsewhere in the Championship, Riley McGree got the assist for Middlesbrough’s winner in a 1-0 triumph over Norwich City.
After Boro turned the ball in Norwich’s defensive area, McGree laid off a short pass for Hayden Hackney who unleashed a stunning shot in the 17th minute.
McGree, who started and played 62 minutes, was rated 7/10 by Teesside Live who wrote: “A typical Riley McGree performance on his return to the side after injury.
“He floated into clever positions to get on the ball and link Boro’s midfield and attack in a bright display. Played a role in the goal.”
In League One, Alex Robertson netted a double in Cardiff City’s 2-2 draw with Burton Albion.
The Australian midfielder was rated 8/10 by Wales Online who wrote: “The two-goal hero. Right place, right time for both goals.
“Played his part as Cardiff wrestled back control of possession and territory following the slow start.”
Mat Ryan made four saves and kept a clean sheet as relegation battling Levante managed a 0-0 draw with third-placed Atletico Madrid in Spain’s La Liga on Saturday.
Atletico had more possession and looked the more likely side to score, but were unable to convert that into genuine chances, with Ryan thwarting them when required.
Levante boss Luis Castro told AS about Ryan: “The goalkeeper is very important because of how we want to play,.
“He works hard and is very intelligent. He questions things and is quick to understand. He’s a hard-working, intelligent, and very team-oriented player. He’s also important for our goalkeepers to develop.”
Garang Kuol made a lively cameo off the bench for Sparta Prague in their 3-0 win at Dukla in the Czech Chance Liga.
Kuol entered the fray in the 67th minute and drew a foul leading to Mouhamed Traore’s second booking. The Australian was also booked for diving in the 87th minute.
After that, Kuol was central to his side’s third goal, lifting a clever pass in behind for Oliver Sonne to centre to Joao Grimaldo to convert.
Alessandro Circati put in a full shift in Parma’s 4-1 home loss to Juventus in Italy’s Serie A on Sunday.
Jackson Irvine played 20 minutes off the bench in St Pauli’s 2-1 loss away to Augsburg in Germany’s Bundesliga.
Johnny Koutroumbis went off late with an injury in Motherwell’s 2-0 win at Livingston in Scotland’s Premiership.
Three Aussies all saw game-time in Dundee United’s 3-0 home loss to Cammy Devlin’s Hearts who maintained their title push with the win.
An addition between the sticks 🧤
✍️ Welcome to #DUFC, Ashley Maynard-Brewer pic.twitter.com/BetyXsWS4w
— Dundee United FC (@dundeeunitedfc) January 28, 2026
Goalkeeper Ash Maynard-Brewer, fresh from a move from Charlton to United on a six-month deal, put in a full shift along with Ryan Strain.
Zac Sapsford was a half-time substitute for the Tangerines, while Devlin along with Calem Nieuwenhof were both out injured for the Jam Tarts.
Martin Boyle started and played 64 minutes in Hibernian’s 0-0 draw with Rangers. Jack Iredale put in a full shift for Hibs.
Milos Degenek made his second appearance for new club APOEL, playing the full 90 minutes in a 2-0 win at Olympiakos Nicosia in the Cypriot League.
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Finally in further transfer news, Mohamed Toure sealed a move from Danish club Randers to English Championship outfit Norwich City.
Toure has penned a four-and-a-half-year deal thought to be worth about £2.6m with the Canaries who are currently 19th.
“I’ve known the club for a very long time and I’m excited to get started,” Toure said. “I’m here to learn and develop, and I’ve heard that Philippe Clement has had a big influence on the players and has brought out the best in them.
“It’s an environment I want to be in and I want to improve under him. I love to work hard – every time I’m on the pitch, I try my best for the badge.”
Kai Trewin has also switched clubs, signing on with MLS club New York City from Melbourne City for an undisclosed fee. He’ll join Aiden O’Neill in the Big Apple.
We’ve completed the signing of Australian international forward Mohamed Touré on a four-and-a-half-year deal, with an option for a further 12 months 📝
— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) February 1, 2026
