Crystal Palace humbled by AEK Larnaca in European debut

Crystal Palace’s long-awaited home bow in a major European competition did not unfold as planned, as Oliver Glasner’s men fell 1-0 to AEK Larnaca at Selhurst Park. The evening had been billed as a landmark in the club’s 101-year history — their first European tie on home soil. Anticipation filled the air around Selhurst station…

Read More

ZIFA wields the axe on Nees two months before AFCON

The popular ghetto lingo ‘Maikoro NdiMambo’ (Michael is King), often associated with fast-rising Zim Dancehall chanter Hulengende, resonates well with many Zimbabweans who love the genre. But to some football stakeholders in Zimbabwe, kingship and Michael could not be put in the same sentence. German mentor Michael Nees’ tenure as Warriors coach finally ended on…

Read More

Bellingham returns to form as Real Madrid edge Juventus

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso described Jude Bellingham as “one of the most complete players in the world” after the Englishman found the net in a narrow Champions League victory over Juventus. The 22-year-old had endured a challenging start to the campaign, featuring only three times from the start and making four substitute appearances following…

Read More

Vicario brilliance helps Tottenham hold Monaco

Tottenham Hotspur’s Guglielmo Vicario delivered an exceptional performance to secure a valuable Champions League point against Monaco. The Italian goalkeeper, who has faced criticism this season, was central to his team’s survival in a tough evening at Stade Louis II, where Spurs struggled to find rhythm. Vicario produced a series of crucial stops in the…

Read More

Chevrons achieve statement win over Afghanistan

In what promises to be a landmark moment for Zimbabwean cricket, the Chevrons registered a dominant and emphatic victory over Afghanistan in the one-off Test at Harare Sports Club. The home side sealed the match by an innings and 73 runs, marking one of the most significant wins in their recent history. Zimbabwe’s performance was…

Read More

Gyokeres ends goal drought as Arsenal cruise past Atletico

Viktor Gyokeres finally ended his goal drought with two strikes as Arsenal swept aside Atletico Madrid 4-0, bringing visible relief to both the player and his manager, Mikel Arteta. The £64m forward had started brightly with three goals in his opening four appearances but endured seven matches without scoring, a spell that left him visibly…

Read More

PSG crush Leverkusen in Champions League masterclass

Paris St-Germain extended their perfect Champions League record with a stunning 7-2 demolition of Bayer Leverkusen. The defending champions started aggressively, taking the lead in the seventh minute when Willian Pacho met Nuno Mendes’ curling delivery to nod home. Leverkusen were given a chance to respond after Illia Zabarnyi fouled Claudio Echeverri in the area,…

Read More

Lopez hits hat-trick as Rashford inspires Barcelona rout of Olympiacos

Fermin Lopez delivered a superb performance with three goals as Barcelona swept aside Olympiacos in the Champions League. Marcus Rashford also continued his strong form in Europe, taking his tally to four goals in three matches. Lopez opened the scoring after just seven minutes, reacting quickest when goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis failed to hold on to…

Read More