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In order to begin their Premier League campaign on Sunday against Crystal Palace, Chelsea was fortunate to escape with a 0-0 draw.

When Marc Guehi obstructing the Chelsea wall, a VAR review found him unfit for his free kick, Palace were denied an early lead.

Estevao, a new Chelsea signing, was on par with scoring a winner for the home side, but the newly-crowned world champions were brutal in their attack on a well-organized Palace defense.

Despite growing rumors that England internationals will join Liverpool and Tottenham, respectively, the Eagles’ key duo of Guehi and Eze got going.

“They will play as they are so good,” said Palace boss Oliver Glasner, as long as they are 100 percent committed.

They “weren’t just great footballers,” according to the statement “they are great people, and that’s what I expected.”

Eze believed Robert Sanchez had too much power for him to open the scoring with a blistering free-kick.

READ MORE:   Messi Recovers From Injury, Scores Lately To Win Inter-Miami Over Galaxy

Guehi’s role in causing a gap by man-handling Moises Caicedo into the Chelsea wall was foreclosed, and the goal was not allowed.

Chelsea’s hopes of defending their first Premier League title since 2017 were heightened by their defeat of European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final last month.

However, Enzo Maresca expressed disappointment with his team’s lack of preparation since its 35-day defeat to PSG in New York.

The Italian said, “They played about eight (pre-season) games, and we only played two because we made the best of it.”

We anticipated a difficult game. We didn’t give up any chances after the first half free kick.

In his final game for Palmeiras, Estevao scored against Chelsea in the Club World Cup.

The Brazilian, who has been touted as one of the world’s brightest young talents, struggled to maintain composure when he cut high and wide from the center of the box.

With a dominant 3-1 victory over a much-changed Brentford, Nottingham Forest feigned Nuno Espirito Santo’s pre-season fears over a lack of signings.

On a dreary afternoon for new Brentford boss Keith Andrews, Chris Wood scored twice on either side of Dan Ndyoe’s debut goal for Forest.

“The first half was excellent. The combinations turned out to be excellent, beautiful goals, Nuno said.

“We are putting pressure on a good balanced squad that gives us options and solutions,” says the group’s leader.

In the off-season, the Bees lost their manager, captain, and top scorer.

Thomas Frank left to take over at Tottenham, Bryan Mbeumo signed for Manchester United, and Christian Norgaard was signed by Arsenal.

Prior to his anticipated move to Newcastle, Yoane Wissa was also missing from the Brentford squad.

The visitors only found comfort in Igor Thiago’s late penalty goal, which came from the spot.

“I do believe in this, but we must accept responsibility for a first half that wasn’t good enough,” Andrews said.

Lionel Messi returned from injury as a reserve and scored in the 84th minute to spark Inter Miami over the defending MLS champion Los Angeles Galaxy 3-1 on Saturday.

The iconic 38-year-old Argentine striker was back on the field for Miami after suffering what Inter coach Javier Mascherano had called a “minor muscle injury” — an apparent hamstring strain — in Inter’s August 2 Leagues Cup victory over Mexican side Necaxa.

“It had been something very small,” Mascherano said of his injury after the match. “The three training sessions we had were good. The important thing is that the match ended. As the minutes went by, I saw him better. We have to see how he feels tomorrow.”

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi, who missed a Leagues Cup win over Pumas UNAM and last weekend’s MLS loss at Orlando City, was on the bench as a reserve before entering in the second half, replacing Telasco Segovia.

“We had planned the match to give minutes to Leo. The idea was to give him 45 minutes so that he can find sensations,” Mascherano said. “I didn’t see him after the game. Tomorrow we’ll see what feelings he had.

“He’s an extraordinary player. I saw that he was clearly not 100 percent comfortable but as the minutes went by he was loosening up more and more. We will have to see how he ended with the fatigue.”

READ ALSO: Liverpool Strike Late To Beat Bournemouth 4-2 In Premier League Opener

Jordi Alba scored for Miami in the 43rd minute but Joseph Paintsil equalized for the Galaxy in the 59th minute.

Messi scored in the 84th and Luis Suarez added an insurance tally in the 89th off an assist from Messi to produce the final victory margin.

Messi, the reigning MLS Most Valuable Player, has 19 goals and 10 assists in 19 MLS appearances for Miami this season.

He also has the Herons into the quarter-finals of the Leagues Cup, which they won in 2023 just after Messi’s arrival. Miami will play Tigres in a Cup quarter-final on Wednesday.

“He wants to play every single game,” Mascherano said. “You have to understand why Leo is Leo. He always wants to be on the pitch. He’s happy there. Sometimes we try to explain him that we have to go slowly but when he feels good he knows himself like no one. In the end we tried to give him some minutes today to start having good feelings for Wednesday.”

Inter Miami rank fourth in the MLS Eastern Conference, six points behind MLS leaders Philadelphia but with three matches in hand.

South Korean international and former Tottenham Hotspur striker Son Heung-min picked up his first MLS victory in his first MLS start as LAFC won 2-0 at New England.

Son, who helped LAFC take a draw in Chicago last week as a reserve in his league debut, assisted on the LAFC win-clinching goal by Mathieu Choiniere in the fourth minute of second half stoppage time.

Marco Delgado scored LAFC’s first goal in the 51st minute.

LAFC rank fifth in the Western Conference, nine points adrift of pace-setting San Diego with two matches in hand.

Thomas Frank earned his “dream” first Premier League win as Tottenham manager as Richarlison’s brilliant overhead kick inspired a 3-0 success against Burnley on Saturday.

Frank was hired from Brentford to replace Ange Postecoglou after the Australian was sacked at the end of last season.

The Dane made a good first impression in Tottenham’s opening game of the top-flight season thanks to a majestic display from Richarlison.

The Brazil forward scored twice, including an eye-catching acrobatic strike, to reward his manager for selecting him instead of Dominic Solanke.

Brennan Johnson hit Tottenham’s third to complete an uplifting start to the Frank era.

“Perfect start or dream start. I will just enjoy it and I hope the players, the club and the fans enjoy it because that is important,” Frank said.

“Overall it was a good performance, not through the roof. It’s never easy in the Premier League.”

Even winning the Europa League to secure Champions League qualification did not save Postecoglou after Tottenham ended 17th in the Premier League — their lowest finish since 1976-77.

READ ALSO: Liverpool Strike Late To Beat Bournemouth 4-2 In Premier League Opener

Frank’s impressive work establishing Brentford in the Premier League convinced Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy that he is the right man to return the club to the right end of the table.

Frank nearly kicked off his reign with a trophy in midweek, but Tottenham lost on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup after blowing a two-goal lead in the closing stages.

That solid display against the Champions League holders was encouraging for Frank. The efficient defeat of Burnley provided more optimism for the sell-out crowd at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Frank praised Richarlison’s contribution, saying: “Fantastic he is scoring. I have a striker that takes those two chances and helps us win the game.

“He deserves a lot of praise. He was very good against PSG and today he was exceptional, with his work-rate, driving the team, link-up play, hold-up play, just dominating and then the two finishes.

“The second, an exceptional finish. I’m a little disappointed that so early we have the goal of the season, but it must be a contender!”

Burnley won promotion from the Championship last season largely thanks to a superb defence that kept 30 clean-sheets in 46 league games.

Frank makes his mark

Scott Parker’s team conceded only 16 goals in the second tier, setting an English Football League record.

Tottenham’s ruthless finishing showed Burnley will need more than defensive resilience to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.

While Postecoglou was criticised for his refusal to change his attacking philosophy during his turbulent two-year Tottenham reign. Frank is an arch pragmatist.

The 51-year-old plays the percentages with a focus on set-pieces and a willingness to use long-ball tactics, but this was far more than just a route one victory.

Frank was given a warm reception by Tottenham fans before kick-off and he responded with a wave to all four sides of the ground.

The Dane admitted he would feel nervous during his home debut, but Lucas Bergvall almost eased that anxiety in the first minute with a strike that forced a good save from Martin Dubravka.

READ ALSO: Liverpool Splash Out To Secure Status As Premier League’s Top Dogs

It took just 10 minutes for Richarlison to give Frank the perfect welcome present.

Mohammed Kudus, signed from West Ham in the close season, whipped over a tempting cross and Richarlison finished with aplomb, spinning to fire past Dubravka.

After scoring just five times last season, it was a much-needed boost for the former Everton forward.

Richarlison struck again in stunning styte in the 60th minute.

Kudus was the provider with a pin-point cross. Richarlison launched himself into the air for a spectacular bicycle kick that whistled into the net from 10 yards.

Tottenham’s Mathys Tel came on to applause in the second half after he was racially abused on social media for a missed penalty against PSG.

The sports world does not sleep —and this week has been no exception. From Cristiano Ronaldo’s engagement to his long-term partner, to the home-based Super Eagles’ early crash at CHAN, and a boardroom deal in the NBA involving the Boston Celtics, the last seven days came fast and thick! 

D’Tigers have kicked off their campaign for a second men’s Afrobasket title, as the Super Falcons get a promised largesse from the Federal Government following their WAFCON victory!

From moments of celebration to stories of tragedies and controversies, First 11 — the recap of the biggest sports stories — looks back at the headlines that got everyone buzzing!

Cristiano Ronaldo Engages Georgina Rodriguez 

Kicking off in football with the big news of Cristiano Ronaldo’s engagement to his partner, Georgina Rodriguez. She announced this on social media, posting a ring, sharing no further details about the engagement. 

Ronaldo himself has not commented on the development. Both have been together for about nine years after they met at a Gucci shop in Madrid, Spain, where she worked. The Portuguese was playing for Real Madrid at that time.

PSG Fight Back To Win UEFA Super Cup

Meanwhile, the news of their engagement came around the same time that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) mounted a stunning comeback to win the 2025 UEFA Super Cup, beating English side Tottenham. 

The Champions League winners were two goals down with just minutes to go in the game. However, a late fightback saw them score twice to take the game to extra time. PSG then went ahead to win the match 4-3.

Home Eagles Crash Out Of CHAN

While PSG tasted victory, it was a different kettle of fish for the home-based Super Eagles, who crashed out of the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN). Sudan condemned Nigeria to a humiliating 4-0 defeat —the team’s second loss — which effectively dumped them out of the competition. 

Before then, Nigeria had lost narrowly to Senegal and needed three points to boost their chances of reaching the quarter-finals of the tournament. Eric Chelle’s side takes on Congo in their last Group D game. 

Premier League Returns With Liverpool Defeating Bournemouth

As Nigeria crashed out of the CHAN, attention is also shifting to the new Premier League, which kick-started on Friday after about three months of break. 

The curtain raiser between champions Liverpool and Bournemouth ended 4-2 in the Reds’ favour. Arsenal will travel to Old Trafford on Sunday in the blockbuster game of the opening weekend. The full fixtures are here!

Dele-Bashiru Marries Heathrob

Outside the football pitch, Super Eagles midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, took the big, bold step, tying the knot with his Moroccan lover. The solemn Nikkah ceremony between him and Nana Bensouna took place in Manchester, United Kingdom.

The event was held in the presence of family and friends. Dele-Bashiru teamed up with Lazio this summer after an initial loan move from Hatayspor. His transfer fee is in the region of €5m.

Afrobasket: D’Tigers Outclass Tunisia

In basketball, Nigeria’s D’Tigers overpowered Tunisia 87-66 in a Group B clash at the 2025 Men’s Afrobasket on Friday, making it two wins out of two in the competition. 

The Nigerians, who are gunning for the second title, showed their intent from the onset, recording a 10-0 lead. They continued on their path, outscoring the Tunisians in a match where the Houston Rockets’ shooting guard recorded 33 points. D’Tigers will take on Cameroon on Sunday!

NBA Approves Sale Of Boston Celtics

There were also boardroom deals in the NBA during the week following the sale of the Boston Celtics to an investment group led by Bill Chisholm.

The deal, worth  $6.1 billion, was agreed five months ago. Chisholm is the managing director and co-founder of Symphony Technology Group. When he and his co-investors agreed to purchase the storied Celtics franchise “at an initial valuation of $6.1 billion,” that was the highest ever offered for a North American sports team.

CAS Rejects Crystal Palace’s Europa League Demotion Appeal

Back in Europe, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Monday rejected Crystal Palace’s appeal over their demotion from the Europa League to the UEFA Conference League. 

The London club, which won last season’s FA Cup, fell foul of UEFA’s rules governing multi-club ownership. European football’s governing body determined that as of March 1, American businessman John Textor had control or influence in Palace and French club Lyon. 

3SC’s Assistant Coach Dies After Slumping On Training Pitch

Farewell, Coach Akin Olowookere.

Your passion, dedication, and impact will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace… till we meet again.#3SC | #UpShooting | #OluyoleWarriors pic.twitter.com/PXLgkVZLHV

On a tragic note, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) assistant coach Akin Olowokere has died after slumping on the training pitch. 

The Ibadan-based side were preparing for their second match in the 2025 ValueJet Cup, a preseason competition. Olowokere was part of the club’s new technical crew, unveiled by the team for the upcoming 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

Italian Athlete Passes Away At World Games 

It was an equally sad tale in the athletics world following the death of Italian orienteering athlete Mattia Debertolis. He was found unresponsive during competition at the World Games in China’s Chengdu.

The 29-year-old was discovered unconscious during an orienteering event on August 8 and died four days later, said a joint statement from World Games organisers and the International Orienteering Federation (IOF).

Super Falcons Receive $100,000 Largesse?

Heading back to football, this time, the women’s game and the Super Falcons, who have been paid their $100,000 cash reward for winning the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). 

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade had disclosed earlier in the week that the team had yet to receive their reward, weeks after President Bola Tinubu promised them. However, the National Sports Commission (NSC) confirmed days later that the players had been handed their bonuses – the $100k gift, and a house. 

However, no player has yet confirmed receipt of the rewards!

Liverpool struck twice in the final minutes through Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah to overcome a battling Bournemouth 4-2 in a thrilling start to the Premier League season on Friday.

Antoine Semenyo looked to have rescued a point for the Cherries by scoring twice, after he had reported an incident of racial abuse from a fan, to cancel out Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo’s strikes for the defending champions.

But on an emotive night as Anfield remembered Diogo Jota, Chiesa was the unlikely hero as the injury-hit Italian fired the home side back in front before Salah rounded off the scoring.

Liverpool’s joy at celebrating a record-equalling 19th English top-flight title turned to tragedy during the off-season as forward Jota was killed alongside his brother Andre Silva in a car accident last month at the age of 28.

Just 11 days prior to the accident, the Portuguese international had married Rute Cardoso, the mother of his three children.

A large banner at the front of The Kop stand read: “Rute, Dinis, Duarte, Mafalda – Anfield will always be your home. You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

During a minute’s silence, fans held up a giant mosaic with the initials of Jota and Silva, who was also a footballer, and their shirt numbers in the Portuguese flag.

Despite romping to the title with four games to spare last season, Liverpool have undergone a major transformation in the transfer market, spending close to £300 million ($407 million).

Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong made their first competitive starts for the Reds.

More could be yet to come with Liverpool linked with a British transfer record move for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and interested in Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.

The visitors were fortunate not to be reduced to 10 men less than 15 minutes in when Marcos Senesi clearly directed the ball out of Ekitike’s path with his hand when the French striker had a clear run at goal, but VAR surprisingly did not intervene.

– Salah’s tears –

The game was briefly halted on the half hour mark as Semenyo reported to referee Anthony Taylor he had been the subject of racist abuse from a Liverpool supporter, who was seen to be removed from the stands by police at half-time.

Shortly after the resumption, Ekitike settled Liverpool’s nerves as he got the break of the ball and slotted past Dorde Petrovic.

Ekitike then got the assist for Liverpool’s second just after the break as Gakpo coolly left two Bournemouth defenders on the ground and rolled into the bottom corner.

Arne Slot’s men have struggled to find the right balance in pre-season and in losing the Community Shield to Palace last weekend as a new-look slick attack could not compensate for wide open defensive gaps on the counter-attack and so it proved again.

David Brooks broke the offside trap and squared for Semenyo to pull a goal back.

The Ghanaian then rounded off his eventful evening for good and bad with an incredible equaliser.

Semenyo collected possession just outside his own box and sprinted through a vacant Liverpool midfield before firing into the bottom corner 13 minutes from time.

Chiesa was barely used by Slot in his debut season in England but became the unlikely hero when he pounced on a loose ball inside the Bournemouth box on 89 minutes.

Salah then broke clear in stoppage time to score his customary goal in the opening game of the season and paid his own homage to Jota by mimicking one of his goal celebrations.

Nigeria’s D’Tigers’ quest for a second Afrobasket title received another boost following the team’s emphatic win over Tunisia in the 2025 men’s Afrobasket, beating the North Africans 87-66 in a one-sided encounter on Friday. 

The victory came on the back of a victory over Madagascar earlier in the week.