AC Milan managed to secure their first victory in the Champions League by defeating Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) 2-1. The Italian team had struggled in the competition with two points and no goals in their previous three matches. Rafael Leao scored the opening goal for Milan with an acrobatic bicycle kick, and Olivier Giroud added another with a header. PSG, on the other hand, managed to find the net through former Inter defender Milan Skriniar. AC Milan players celebrate their victory – Getty image The match saw Milan ultras preparing thousands of fake banknotes with Gianluigi Donnarumma’s face on them to throw at the PSG goalkeeper. Donnarumma was facing Milan as an opponent for the first time since his free transfer in 2021. Despite missing several key players, Milan delivered a solid performance, and their victory revived their hopes of advancing in the Champions League, after Newcastle lost to Dortmund.
Peter Obi speaks on absence at Supreme Court during Tinubu’s victory
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25th general elections, Peter Obi clarifies his absence at the Supreme Court during Tinubu’s victory. It would be recalled that the Supreme Court decisively rejected all the arguments put forth by Atiku and the PDP against Tinubu. It encompassed issues of eligibility, compliance with the Electoral Act, securing 25% of the votes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and allegations of electoral misconduct. Speaking on his absence, Peter Obi cited a pre-scheduled international trip as the reason for his inability to attend. He made this announcement on Monday during a World Press Conference held at the LP campaign headquarters in Abuja. “About a fortnight ago, I was traveling abroad on a prior scheduled engagement when I received the notice that the Supreme Court would give judgment on 26th October 2023 on our challenge to the ruling of the Presidential Election Petitions Court. That judgment has since been delivered as scheduled. “The leadership of the Labour Party has already pronounced its position on the judgment. As someone who has previously benefited from the rulings of the Supreme Court on electoral matters, I have, after a period of deep and sober reflection, decided to personally and formally react to the recent judgment as most Nigerians have. Because we are confronted with very weighty issues of national interest, I will speak forthrightly.” More details later …
Controversial Gordon goal hand Newcastle victory over Arsenal
Newcastle secured a 1-0 victory over Arsenal at St James’ Park, with a close-range controversial goal from Anthony Gordon. The highly intense match was marked by a controversial VAR decisions that left Arsenal fans and players frustrated. Newcastle goal came in the second half when Gordon found the back of the net. However, the goal’s validity was subject to three separate VAR checks. But at the end of the day, the decision stood, despite claims that the ball had gone out of play in the build-up. Gordon celebrates goal – Getty image On the other hand, Arsenal had their own moments of controversy, as Kai Havertz narrowly avoided a red card in the first half after a reckless challenge on Newcastle’s Miguel Almirón. The incident saw three of Newcastle players pick a yellow card for over reacting.
Liverpool cruises to 3-0 Victory as Jota honours missing Luis Diaz
Liverpool enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest at Anfield in a match marked by a touching tribute to Luis Diaz. Diaz who missed the clash due to the tragic kidnapping of his parents in Colombia, was undoubtedly on the minds of his teammates. Stepping into Diaz’s place, Diogo Jota opened the scoring after pouncing on a rebound from Darwin Nunez’s shot. Jota quickly rushed to the sidelines, holding up a Diaz shirt. Diogo Jota holding up Luis Diaz shirt – The Sun Uk Four minutes later, Liverpool’s attack was in full flow again, with Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai combining to set up Darwin Nunez for a tap-in, doubling the lead before halftime. The game’s outcome was all but sealed in the second half when Matt Turner’s misjudgment of a long pass from Szoboszlai allowed Salah to calmly finish, securing the win for the home side. The victory takes Liverpool to 23 points, just three behind league leaders Tottenham. For Nottingham Forest, their struggles persist, as they extend their winless streak to six games.
Jude Bellingham brilliance seals Real Madrid 2-1 El Clasico victory over Barcelona
Jude Bellingham brace helped Real Madrid in the season’s first El Clasico victory against Barcelona on Saturday. The fixture which held at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Montjuic, took a dramatic turn, favouring Real Madrid. The hosts, Barcelona, started the match on a high note by taking the lead just seven minutes in. Ilkay Gundogan’s attempt at a one-two with Ferran Torres took an unexpected turn as the ball ricocheted off David Alaba, landing back at Gundogan’s feet inside the Real Madrid penalty area.
Jude Bellingham celebrates goal – Getty image He capitalized on the opportunity, slotting the ball past Kepa Arrizabalaga to score his first goal for Barcelona. Barcelona had chances to extend their lead, with both Fermin Lopez and Inigo Martinez hitting the woodwork. Regrettably, Real Madrid found the equalizer in the second half. Real Madrid gradually gained control in the second period, and their efforts were rewarded when Jude Bellingham unleashed a remarkable 25-yard strike.
Nketiah steals first Premier League hat-trick in Arsenal 5-0 victory
Eddie Nketiah stole the spotlight on Saturday as he scored a hat-trick in Arsenal 5-0 victory against Sheffield United. The Gunners had a three-goal lead before half-time, with Nketiah seizing his opportunity to shine in Gabriel Jesus absence due to a hamstring injury. The young talent delivered a stunning treble, marking his first Premier League hat-trick for the Gunners. His performance earned him an applause from Jesus, who watched from the stands. Nketiah’s hat-trick also made him the first Englishman to score a top-flight hat-trick for Arsenal since Theo Walcott achieved the feat in 2015. Eddie Nketiah – Getty image The 24-year-old striker opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a fine finish following a deep cross from Gunners midfielder Declan Rice. He extended Arsenal’s lead in the 50th minute with a heavy strike from inside the Sheffield United box. Nketiah’s third goal was the standout moment, as he collected the ball 20 yards from goal and unleashed a fierce and precise shot into the top corner.
Haaland double seals Manchester City’s victory over Young Boys
Manchester City secured a 3-1 victory against Young Boys in the Champions League on Wednesday, courtesy of Erling Haaland two goals. Despite Pep Guardiola’s concerns about playing on an artificial pitch, City delivered a solid performance. Manchester City maintain their unbeaten run in the Champions League with 3-1 win over Young Boys – Getty image Haaland, who had not scored in five previous Champions League matches, found the back of the net twice in the second half. However, prior to his goals, the score was level at 1-1, with City encountering some challenges up front. Manuel Akanji had earlier put Etihad club in front. However, a stunning lob from Meschack Elia made the match level Young Boys.
Fermin Lopez brace inspires Barcelona 2-1 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk
Barcelona secured their third consecutive win in the Champions League group stage with a tense 2-1 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk. The result of the match played at the Olympic Stadium, places the Catalans in the position of reaching the knockout stages of the competition. Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez made only three changes from the squad that recently defeated Athletic Club. The tactical adjustment saw Ronald Araujo, Marcos Alonso, and Lamine Yamal replacing Andreas Christensen, Alejandro Balde, and Gavi.
Ferran Torres after his goal – credit – Fabrizio Romano on X Despite the changes, Ferran Torres retained his spot in the lineup and played a vital role in the match. Torres opened the scoring in the 30th minute, capitalizing on Fermin Lopez’s ball that hit the woodwork, leaving Torres with an easy tap-in. Although the goal was initially ruled offside, but a check by VAR corrected the decision, awarding Barcelona the goal. Moments later, Torres set up Lopez who extended the lead to 2-0 with a long-range strike, marking his first Champions League goal on his debut start in the competition. Despite Barcelona’s initial comfort, Shakhtar Donetsk pulled one back on the 62nd minute through Georgiy Sudakov. Nonetheless, Barcelona held their ground, picking all three points, and maintaining their position at the top of Group H.
Jesus takes centre stage in Arsenal 2-1 victory against Sevilla
Arsenal showed their usual dominance with a crucial 2-1 away win against Sevilla on Tuesday, with Gabriel Jesus taking the center stage. Jesus played a vital role in the match that saw Arsenal regain control of their Champions League hopes. The Brazilian showed his clinical prowess as he skillfully set up Gabriel Martinelli just before half-time, for the Gunners first goal. Then, in the 53rd minute, Jesus delivered a stunning winner, curling the ball into the top corner to the delight of traveling Arsenal fans.
Sevilla’s Nemanja Gudelj scored his sides only goal of the night – Getty image Seasoned Spanish defender Sergio Ramos, was on the receiving end of Jesus’s relentless pursuit throughout the match. Ramos who boasts of his role as a tough defender, had a challenging evening dealing with the unyielding Brazilian forward. However, Arsenal’s Spanish goalkeeper, David Raya, had some challenges during the game, particularly about his form. He has now conceived in Arsenal’s last two games and things look a bit rough for him. Despite a late goal from Sevilla’s Nemanja Gudelj, Arsenal maintained control and emerged winners in the encounter.
Son, Maddison on target as Tottenham claim 2-0 victory over Fulham
Son Heung-Min and James Maddison were on target on Monday night, to help Tottenham Hotspur maintain their unbeaten run this season. Ange Postecoglou men showed their fine form in a dominant 2-0 win over Fulham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The London club now top the Premier League table with a two-point lead after nine games. They currently posses 23 points, while Manchester City have 21. Postecoglou’s quick impact in the team has become undeniable, with Tottenham’s star duo of Son and Maddison key to their bright start so far.
Son Heung-Min – Getty image Son, the Premier League’s Player of the Month for October, has regained his form, scoring seven goals in nine matches this season, just two behind Erling Haaland. Maddison, playing a supporting role in the absence of Harry Kane, netted his first goal for the side at the White Hart Lane. Meanwhile, Fulham had a difficult night, suffering their 14th defeat in 16 Premier League matches against Tottenham. Calvin Bassey had a night to forget, contributing to Tottenham’s two goals. While Postecoglou’s team could have won by a larger margin, having created more opportunities. Despite an early threat from Fulham, Son’s goal, with assistance from Bassey’s defensive error, settled Spurs’ nerves. Maddison added another in the second half, to seal the victory for his side.