By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo Victor Osimhen delivered the decisive blow in Turin as Galatasaray qualified for the UEFA Champions League round of 16, overcoming Juventus 7-5 on aggregate after a dramatic 3-2 extra-time defeat at the Allianz Stadium on Wednesday night. The Nigerian striker struck in the 105th minute of extra time, halting Juventus’ remarkable
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo Atlético Madrid powered into the UEFA Champions League last-16 after a dominant 4–1 victory over Club Brugge, with Norwegian striker Alexander Sørloth delivering a sensational hat-trick in a decisive playoff second leg at the Metropolitano Stadium. Sørloth’s treble, combined with a goal from United States midfielder Johnny Cardoso, sealed a
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo African footballers are once again redefining Europe’s biggest stage, with Serhou Guirassy emerging as the latest symbol of excellence in the UEFA Champions League. Nearly three decades after George Weah finished as the competition’s top scorer for Paris Saint‑Germain in 1995, Guirassy has reignited continental pride by rising to the summit
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo José Mourinho has exercised his right to refuse all pre- and post-match media obligations ahead of Benfica’s crucial fixture against Real Madrid, according to reports from Sky Sports. The Portuguese manager will not speak to journalists before Wednesday’s match and will also skip post-match media duties, invoking provisions that allow coaches
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo It was a night of Nigerian brilliance in the UEFA Champions League as Raphael Onyedika and Ademola Lookman both scored when Club Brugge and Atletico Madrid battled to a thrilling 3–3 draw. Onyedika produced one of his finest European performances, scoring and providing an assist in a commanding midfield display that
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo The night was supposed to be about football. Instead, it became another chapter in José Mourinho’s long war with authority. Now, the Special One will not be on the touchline when his team walks into the fire at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. He has been suspended. He has been silenced. But
By Rasheed Adewuyi, New York Match Halted Over Alleged Racist Abuse as Vinícius Jr Blasts “Cowards” After Benfica Clash The UEFA Champions League playoff clash between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF was briefly halted following an alleged racist incident involving Vinícius Júnior, who later condemned racism and questioned why he was booked for
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo In a moment that will be etched into Champions League lore, Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin delivered one of the most remarkable goals in European football history, and he was as stunned as everyone watching. The 24-year-old Ukrainian produced an extraordinary 98th-minute header to secure a 4–2 victory over Real Madrid in
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has lavished praise on Victor Osimhen, calling the Galatasaray and Nigeria forward a “very elite striker” as both sides prepare for their UEFA Champions League group stage clash at the Etihad Stadium tonight. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Guardiola singled out Osimhen’s quality and influence on the pitch, stressing
Kylian Mbappé was notably absent from training on Tuesday, the day Álvaro Arbeloa began his tenure as Real Madrid’s new head coach, marking an intriguing start to the Spanish giants’ transitional period. Arbeloa took charge of the first session ahead of Wednesday’s Copa del Rey clash with Albacete, as the club looks to steady its