Category: Sports

ELCHE, Spain (NPA) — Real Madrid edged Elche 3-2 on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, with Carlos Espí scoring in stoppage time to seal victory after the hosts had fought back from two goals down at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero.

The victory moved José Mourinho’s side level on points with Barcelona at the top of the La Liga table after six matches.

Real Madrid took the lead in the 25th minute when Elche goalkeeper Matías Dituro turned Arda Güler’s free kick into his own net.

The visitors doubled their advantage eight minutes later when Kylian Mbappé finished clinically from a pass by Yan Diomande, giving Madrid a 2-0 lead at half-time.

Elche responded strongly after the break and reduced the deficit in the 71st minute through Abiel Osorio, whose header gave the home side renewed belief.

The hosts completed their comeback in the 83rd minute when substitute Fernando Niño found the net to make it 2-2.

With the match appearing destined for a draw, Madrid found a decisive breakthrough in the 90+1st minute.

Mbappé provided the assist for Espí, who finished from close range to restore Madrid’s lead and secure the 3-2 victory.

The goal marked another late intervention from Espí, who had already produced a stoppage-time winner earlier in the season.

The result leaves Real Madrid with 15 points from six matches, keeping them level on points with Barcelona at the top of the table, while Elche remain without a victory after six league games.

The match also highlighted Madrid’s attacking threat and the defensive difficulties they faced after the interval, as Elche used the second half to recover from a two-goal deficit before Espí’s late intervention settled the contest.

NPA SPORTS (UEFA) — Real Madrid, Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund opened their 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league-phase campaigns with victories on Tuesday, while Aston Villa also secured a dramatic away win over Club Brugge.

Real Madrid edged Inter Milan 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu, surviving a strong second-half response from the Italian side. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring before Federico Valverde doubled Madrid’s lead, while Inter pulled one back through Carlos Augusto. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made several important saves as Madrid held on for the points. 

Manchester City made a strong statement with a 2-0 victory over Porto, with Erling Haaland scoring both goals. The result highlighted City’s attacking efficiency and defensive control under Enzo Maresca.

Borussia Dortmund edged Villarreal 3-2 in another five-goal thriller. Contrary to the initial report, the decisive goals came from Serhou Guirassy, who scored twice in the closing stages after Villarreal had fought back. 

Aston Villa also began their campaign with a 3-2 victory at Club Brugge, with John McGinn opening the scoring as Villa survived a late fightback. Pau Torres provided two assists in the victory.

Elsewhere, AEK Athens defeated LASK 1-0, while Real Betis overcame Lille 3-2, underlining the competitive nature of the opening round of the league phase. 

Tuesday’s results — September 8

• AEK Athens 1-0 LASK
• Club Brugge 2-3 Aston Villa
• Borussia Dortmund 3-2 Villarreal
• Porto 0-2 Manchester City
• Lille 2-3 Real Betis
• Real Madrid 2-1 Inter

Wednesday’s fixtures — September 9

The headline fixtures include Liverpool vs Atlético de Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain vs Slovan Bratislava and Napoli vs Arsenal, while Barcelona host Feyenoord. UEFA lists the Wednesday fixtures as part of Matchday 1 of the 36-team league phase.

Thursday’s fixtures — September 10

• Fenerbahçe vs Roma
• PSV Eindhoven vs Shakhtar Donetsk
• Como vs Leipzig
• Bayern München vs Bodø/Glimt
• Manchester United vs Sabah
• Slavia Praha vs Lens 

The 2026/27 Champions League league phase runs from September 8, 2026 to January 27, 2027, with 36 teams competing in the single-table format. 

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (NPA) — Coach Morena Ramoreboli will leave his position as Head Coach of Botswana’s senior men’s national team, The Zebras, to join the Bafana Bafana technical team as Assistant Coach to Head Coach Pitso Mosimane ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.

The development was announced in a joint statement on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, by the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the Botswana Football Association (BFA).

The associations said Ramoreboli’s transition reflected the strong footballing relationship between the neighbouring countries and would provide him an opportunity to continue his coaching career at the highest level of African football.

Ramoreboli leaves Botswana football after making significant contributions at club and national-team levels. During his time with Jwaneng Galaxy, he won two Botswana Premier League titles and guided the club to the CAF Champions League group stage twice.

His teams also recorded notable continental victories over South African giants Orlando Pirates and Moroccan powerhouse Wydad AC.

His biggest achievement came during the 2024 AFCON qualifying campaign when, initially serving as interim coach, he guided The Zebras to the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2012. He was subsequently appointed permanent head coach in January 2025.

Under his leadership, Ramoreboli brought discipline and competitiveness to the national team while contributing to the development of Botswana football. Before his departure, he was also involved in the BFA’s U23 Talent Identification Programme to identify and assess emerging talent across the country.

BFA President Oabile Tariq Babitseng said Ramoreboli had made a “meaningful and lasting contribution” to Botswana football.

“We would naturally have preferred to retain him, but we understand the significance of this opportunity and respect his decision to take the next step in his coaching career,” Babitseng said.

Ramoreboli returns to the Bafana Bafana environment with considerable domestic, continental and international experience. His previous involvement with the national team saw him guide South Africa to the 2021 COSAFA Cup title, winning the competition without conceding a goal.

SAFA said Ramoreboli would bring international experience, tactical flexibility, regional knowledge and an ability to maximise the potential of players and teams to the technical team.

SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan welcomed him back, saying he had earned the opportunity through his achievements and continued growth as a coach.

“Morena knows South African football, understands African football and has demonstrated that he can build competitive teams, develop players and deliver results in challenging circumstances,” Jordaan said.

He added that Ramoreboli’s experience in Botswana had strengthened his coaching profile and expressed confidence that his qualities would complement those of Mosimane as Bafana Bafana begin their journey towards the 2027 AFCON.

SAFA thanked the BFA for its professional handling of the transition and said both associations remained committed to strengthening football relations and development across Southern Africa.

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Argentina football legend Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on a historic career with the national team spanning more than two decades.

The 39-year-old made the announcement on Monday following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending a remarkable international career that saw him lead his country to three World Cup finals and lift the trophy in Qatar in 2022.

Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, said the decision to retire was painful but necessary, adding that he had given everything he could to the Argentina national team and believed the time had come for a new generation of players to take greater responsibility.

“After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I’m retiring from the national team,” Messi said in an emotional statement.

“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment.”

The former FC Barcelona star said time was no longer on his side and that several talented young players were emerging to take Argentina into the future.

Messi thanked Argentine supporters for their unwavering support throughout his international career.

“Thank you for all the love during these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you from the inside. Now I’ll be one of you, always supporting from the outside, in the good times and even more in the bad ones,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude to his family, coaches, teammates and officials who shared his journey with the national team.

“Thank you to my family for always being there and for being with me throughout this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to every coach, teammate and director I had the chance to share it with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.”

Messi said he was leaving the national team with peace and pride, knowing that he and his teammates had given Argentines moments they once only dreamed about.

“I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of. It was crazy to experience all of this with you.

“I love you! Thank you God for making me Argentine.”

Messi leaves the Argentina national team as its all-time leading appearance maker and goalscorer, having scored 125 goals in 207 appearances.

His senior international trophy collection includes the 2022 FIFA World Cup, two Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, and the CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions, popularly known as the Finalissima, in 2022.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Messi’s final international tournament ended in disappointment as Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time in the 2026 World Cup final.

However, his place in the history of Argentine and world football remains firmly secured after a career that transformed years of international disappointment into one of the greatest stories of triumph in the history of the game.

BARCELONA, Spain (NPA) — FC Barcelona maintained their perfect start to the La Liga season with an entertaining 5-2 victory over Rayo Vallecano on Monday night at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Raphinha and Lamine Yamal scored twice each, while an own goal from Florian Lejeune completed the scoring as Hansi Flick’s side recorded their third consecutive league victory.

Barcelona started brightly but were stunned when Rayo took the lead through Sergio Camello, who arrived ahead of Andreas Christensen to convert Álvaro García’s cut-back and score the first league goal conceded by Barça this season.

The home side responded immediately.

In the 19th minute, Raphinha restored parity after cutting inside Pathé Ciss and drilling a low shot across goalkeeper Cárdenas into the net.

Barely two minutes later, Barcelona were ahead. Lamine Yamal collected the ball on the edge of the penalty area and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike into the top corner.

The goal was also a significant personal milestone for the youngster, marking his 50th goal for Barcelona’s first team and making him the youngest player in the club’s history to reach the landmark.

Barcelona continued to dominate, with Pedri controlling proceedings in midfield while Anthony Gordon repeatedly troubled the Rayo defence.

The visitors survived another scare before the break when Jules Kounde’s effort was ruled out after the flag went up.

Barcelona eventually extended their lead six minutes after the restart. Gordon, who was becoming increasingly influential, delivered a dangerous low cross which Lejeune turned into his own net.

However, Rayo refused to surrender.

Camello scored his second goal of the night eight minutes later, rising at the near post to head home from a corner and reduce the deficit to 3-2.

Barcelona responded once again, with Raphinha restoring the two-goal advantage after Gordon produced an excellent back-heel to set up the Brazilian.

Lamine then put the result beyond doubt in the 90th minute, calmly guiding his second goal of the night inside the post to complete Barcelona’s 5-2 victory.

The match also marked a memorable occasion for Egyptian youngster Hamza Abdelkarim, who made his competitive debut for Barcelona after impressing during the preseason.

Barcelona will now turn their attention to Sunday’s La Liga trip to Valencia as Flick’s side look to extend their winning start to the campaign.

MADRID, Spain (NPA) — Real Madrid continued their perfect start to the La Liga season with a commanding 4-0 victory over Málaga at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, as Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé starred in a dominant performance.

Los Blancos sealed the contest with three goals inside the opening 30 minutes before Arda Güler added a late fourth to complete a comprehensive victory over the newly promoted side.

Bellingham opened the scoring in the 19th minute after producing a brilliant individual effort, driving past Málaga defenders before slotting a low finish beyond goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero.

Real Madrid doubled their advantage seven minutes later in unusual circumstances. 

Bellingham’s involvement in the attacking move created pressure inside the Málaga penalty area, with Herrero eventually credited with an own goal.

Mbappé made it 3-0 in the 30th minute, converting a precise cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold with a clinical volley to put the hosts firmly in control.

The French forward’s goal continued his strong start to the campaign as Real Madrid’s attacking line proved too difficult for Málaga to contain.

Despite trailing heavily, Málaga had moments of resistance and came close to scoring when Rafa Rodríguez struck the post. However, the visitors were unable to turn their chances into goals as Madrid maintained control of the contest.

Real Madrid dominated possession and created the clearer opportunities throughout the match, with Bellingham once again influential in midfield and attack.

The England international was central to Madrid’s opening two goals and remained a constant threat before the hosts added further pressure in the second half.

Güler completed the scoring deep into stoppage time, calmly finishing after being set up by Vinícius Júnior.

The victory marked Real Madrid’s third consecutive win of the La Liga campaign, maintaining their 100 per cent record in the early stages of the season.

Manager José Mourinho made several changes to his team, including handing opportunities to Alexander-Arnold and Marc Cucurella, as Madrid displayed their attacking depth and tactical flexibility.

The result further strengthens Real Madrid’s early position in the title race, with the combination of Bellingham’s creativity, Mbappé’s goalscoring ability and Vinícius Júnior’s pace continuing to give Mourinho’s side a formidable attacking threat.

Real Madrid will now turn their attention to their next La Liga fixture against Real Betis, while Málaga will seek their first victory of the season when they return to action next weekend.

MADRID, Spain (NPA) — Spanish giants, Real Madrid, have released their squad for Sunday’s La Liga clash against Málaga CF at the Santiago Bernabéu, as José Mourinho’s side seek to continue their perfect start to the 2026/27 season.

Los Blancos will host Málaga in their Week Three fixture on Sunday, August 30, with the match scheduled to kick off at 5:00 p.m. local time.

Real Madrid head into the encounter in impressive form after winning their opening two league matches and collecting six points from a possible six. The Spanish giants have scored six goals and conceded two, while Málaga are still searching for their first victory of the campaign after recording one draw and one defeat in their opening two fixtures.

Mourinho’s side are coming off a dominant 4–1 victory over Real Sociedad at the Bernabéu, with Kylian Mbappé scoring a hat-trick and Vinícius Júnior also finding the net. Luka Sučić scored Real Sociedad’s only goal of the match.

Ahead of Sunday’s encounter, Mourinho expressed confidence in the depth and quality of his squad, insisting that Real Madrid have enough options to manage the demands of the new season.

“We have a strong squad with solutions,” Mourinho said, pointing to the competition for places within his team and confirming that Cucurella is expected to start against Málaga, while Álvaro Carreras could begin the match on the bench.

Real Madrid will once again look to their attacking stars, including Mbappé and Vinícius, as they attempt to secure a third consecutive victory and maintain their early momentum in the race for the La Liga title.

Real Madrid Squad vs Málaga CF

GOALKEEPERS

• Courtois
• Lunin
• Javi Navarro

DEFENDERS

• Huijsen
• Trent
• Konaté
• Cucurella
• Á. Carreras
• Rüdiger
• Dumfries
• Mario Rivas

MIDFIELDERS

• Bellingham
• Camavinga
• Valverde
• Arda Güler
• Bernardo Silva
• Cestero
• Alexis Ciria

FORWARDS

• Vini Jr.
• Mbappé
• C. Espí
• Brahim
• Yan Diomande

COACH

• José Mourinho

Real Madrid’s next league fixtures after the Málaga clash include away and home encounters against Real Betis and Rayo Vallecano respectively, as Mourinho continues his efforts to build momentum early in the campaign.

The Bernabéu clash provides Los Blancos with another opportunity to demonstrate their title credentials, with the team seeking to extend its winning run before the challenges of the new La Liga season intensify.

MADRID, Spain (NPA) — Real Madrid began the 2026/27 La Liga campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Espanyol, as Carlos Espí struck in the 90th minute to give José Mourinho a winning start on his return to the club. 

The victory at the RCDE Stadium marked Mourinho’s first competitive match back in charge of Real Madrid after 13 years and rescued the Spanish giants from what had looked increasingly likely to be a frustrating draw.  

Madrid made a bright start and took the lead in the ninth minute when Jude Bellingham headed home an Arda Güler free-kick. 

Espanyol responded strongly and levelled in the 30th minute through Álex Calatrava, who finished after receiving a cut-back from Javi Hernández. 

The hosts continued to frustrate Madrid, while goalkeeper Marko Dmitrović produced important saves to keep his side in contention. He denied Madrid further goals, including a second effort from Bellingham early in the second half. 

Madrid continued to press for a winner, with Federico Valverde going close in the 77th minute when his effort struck the post. 

Mourinho responded with a series of substitutions as he sought to break the deadlock, eventually introducing Carlos Espí, who had joined Real Madrid from Levante during the summer.  

The decision paid off in the 90th minute. 

Kylian Mbappé drove into the penalty area before the ball fell loose, allowing Espí to react quickly, move the ball onto his right foot and fire past Dmitrović to complete a dramatic victory for the visitors. 

The goal capped an impressive debut for Espí and gave Mourinho three points in his first La Liga match since returning to the Santiago Bernabéu. 

Although Real Madrid dominated periods of the encounter, Espanyol showed resilience and remained competitive throughout, forcing Mourinho’s side to work until the final moments for the victory. 

The result gives Madrid an early boost as Mourinho begins his second spell at the club, while Espí’s late intervention provides the team with an immediate reminder of the value of squad depth. 

For Mourinho, however, the opening victory also highlighted areas requiring improvement as Real Madrid seek to challenge for the La Liga title. The performance was not entirely convincing, but the late winner ensured that the new era began with maximum points.  

WORLD CUP (NPA) — Argentina produced a remarkable late comeback to defeat Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending the Pharaohs’ impressive campaign and leaving Morocco as the only African team remaining in the tournament.

Egypt appeared to be on course for one of the biggest upsets of the competition after taking a 2-0 lead and holding the advantage until the 79th minute.

Yasser Ibrahim opened the scoring with a header in the 15th minute before Mostafa Zico doubled Egypt’s lead in the 67th minute after a disciplined defensive performance frustrated the defending champions.

Argentina, however, mounted a dramatic fightback in the closing stages.

Cristian Romero pulled one back with a header from a Lionel Messi corner in the 79th minute before Messi equalised four minutes later with a left-footed strike.

Enzo Fernández completed the turnaround in stoppage time, heading home from a Lautaro Martínez cross to send Argentina into the quarter-finals.

Messi had endured a frustrating first half after seeing his penalty saved by Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir before later striking the post.

Despite dominating possession and creating the better chances throughout the match, Argentina only found the breakthrough in the closing minutes as Egypt’s resistance finally gave way.

Argentina finished with 61 per cent possession, 19 shots and an expected goals (xG) figure of 2.8, while Egypt registered five shots and an xG of 0.98.

Egypt’s Marawan Attia, Hamdy Fathy, Mostafa Shobeir and Haissem Hassan were all cautioned during the encounter at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The victory sends Argentina into the quarter-finals, where they will face either Switzerland or Colombia.

Although Egypt exited the tournament, the North African side earned plaudits for pushing the defending champions to the brink and coming within minutes of a historic victory.